Atomic binding energy – problems and solutions

1. Find X!

A. proton

B. electron

C. deuteron

D. triton

E. Alpha particle

Solution

14 + 1 = 15 —> 15 – 14 = 1

7 + 0 = 7 —> 7 – 6 = 1

The correct answer is A.

2. Find X!

A. electron

B. proton

C. neutron

D. deuteron

E. triton

Solution

138 + 93 + 5 = 236 —> 236-235 = 1

56 + 41 – 5 = 92 —> 92-92 = 0

The correct answer is C.

3.

If mass of Be = 9.033 amu, He = 4.002 amu, C = 12.001 amu, n = 1.009 amu. 1 amu ~ 931 MeV, then what is the energy produced.

Solution :

Mass of reactans and products :

Mass of reactans (m_reactans) = 9.033 amu + 4.002 amu = 13.035 amu

Mass of products (m_product) = 12.001 amu + 1.009 amu = 13.01 amu

Mass lost during reaction:

Δm = m_reactan– m_products

Δm = 13.035 amu – 13.01 amu

Δm = 0.025 amu

The mass lost in the fusion reaction is 0.025 amu.

1 amu is equivalent to 931 MeV of energy. 0.025 amu equivalent to the energy of 0.025 x 931 MeV = 23.275 MeV.