Binding energy per nucleons vs mass curve for nucleus is shown in the figure `W,X,Y`and `Z` are four nuclei indicated on the curve . The process that would release energy is

Options

A. `Y rarr 2 Z`
B. `W rarr X + Z`
C. `W rarr 2 Y`
D. `X rarr Y + Z`

Answer

C

Explanation

( c) Energy is released in a process when total Binding energy `(B.E)` of the nucleus is increased or we can say when total `B.E` of products is more than the reactants. By calculation we can see that only in case of option ( c), this happens.
Given `W rarr 2 Y`
`B.E` of reactants `= 120 xx 75 = 900 MeV`
and `B.E` of products `= 2xx (60 xx 85) = 1020 MeV`
i.e., `B.E` of products `gt B.E` of reactants.