A heavy nucleus X of mass number `240` and binding energy per nucleon `7.6 MeV` is split into two fragments Y and Z of mass numbers `110` and `130`. The binding energy of nucleons in Y and Z is `8.5MeV` per nucleon. Calculate the energy Q released per fission in MeV.

Explanation

We have

`therefore` Gain in binding energy of nucleon `=8.5-7.6=0.9 MeV`
Hence, total gain in binding energy per fissioning nucleus `=240xx 0.9=216 MeV`.