(a)(i) Distinguish between nuclear fission and fusion, giving an example of each. (ii) Explain the release of energy in nuclear fission and fusion on the basis of binding energy per nucleon.
Answer: Fission splits heavy; fusion combines light; both raise BE/A, releasing energy.
Solution
(i) Fission is the splitting of a heavy nucleus into two lighter nuclei (e.g. ). Fusion is the combining of two light nuclei into a heavier one (e.g. ).
(ii) In both processes the products have a higher binding energy per nucleon than the reactants. The increase in binding energy appears as a decrease in mass, which is released as energy ().
(ii) In both processes the products have a higher binding energy per nucleon than the reactants. The increase in binding energy appears as a decrease in mass, which is released as energy ().
CBSE Class 12 Board · 2023 · Subjective