(a) In a typical nuclear reaction, e.g.,
`" "_(1)^(2)H + " "_(1)^(2)H to " "_(2)^(3)He +n +3.27 MeV`,
although number of nucleons is conserved, yet energy is released. How ? Explain.
(b) Show that nuclear density in a given nucleus is independent of mass number A.

Explanation

(a) Ina typical nuclear reaction, e.g.,
`" "_(1)^(2)H + " "_(1)^(2)H to " "_(2)^(3)He +n +3.27 MeV`,
although number of nucleons is conserved, yet energy is released. It is on account of fact that in a nuclear reaction there is tinkering with the nucleus so as to rearrange its nucleons into more stable configurations. In other words the binding energy per nucleon is more in a nucleus with stable configuration. As a result energy is released in a nuclear reaction. In fact, the energy released in a nuclear reaction is the difference between the total binding energy of products and total binding energy of reactants.