Question

The binding energy per nucleon for the parent nucleus is E₁ and that for the daughter nuclei is E₂. Then

A nucleus of mass M + Δm is at rest and decays into two daughter nuclei of equal mass M/2 each. Speed of light is c.

(a) E₁ = 2E₂ 

(b) E₂ = 2E₁

(c) E₁ > E₂ 

(d) E₂ > E₁

Answer 1

(d) :- After decay, the daughter nuclei will be more stable, hence binding energy per nucleon of daughter nuclei is more than that of their parent nucleus.
Hence, E₂ > E₁