Q 12-13-012JEE MainAIEEE 2010Medium
A nucleus of mass $M + \Delta m$ is at rest and decays into two daughter nuclei of equal mass $\dfrac{M}{2}$ each. The speed of light is $c$. The binding energy per nucleon for the parent nucleus is $E_1$ and that for the daughter nuclei is $E_2$. Then
Answer: (C) $E_2 > E_1$
Concept. The decay happens on its own, so energy is released ($\Delta m>0$). Energy is released when nucleons move into more tightly bound nuclei.
Step 1. Compare. The daughters have the larger binding energy per nucleon: $E_2>E_1$.
Answer. Option C.
Solution by Sreeraj P, M.Sc Physics
