Chapter 30, Problem 85A

(a)

To determine

To Compare: The energy produced during the fission reaction of uranium nucleus and four hydrogen nuclei.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction: In nuclear fusion reaction, two or more atomic nuclei are combined together. In nuclear fission reaction, an atomic nucleus disintegrates into smaller nuclei. In these reactions, reactant and product release energy due to difference in mass.

During the fission process, uranium atom will release more energy as compared to the fusion of four hydrogen atoms because the mass of uranium atom is greater than the hydrogen atoms. The mass difference is caused difference in atomic binding energy, so uranium released more energy as compared to hydrogen.

Conclusion:

Hence, the energy produced during the fission reaction of uranium nucleus is more than the fusion of four hydrogen nuclei.

(b)

To determine

To Compare: The energy produced during the fission reaction of a kilogram uranium nuclei and a kilogram hydrogen nucleus.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction: In nuclear fusion reaction, two or more atomic nuclei are combined together. In nuclear fission reaction, an atomic nucleus disintegrates into smaller nuclei. In these reactions, reactant and product release energy due to difference in mass.

During the fission process, uranium and hydrogen nuclei have same mass but the binding energy per nucleon of hydrogen is greater than the uranium nuclei. So, a kilogram hydrogen nucleus will release more energy as compared to a kilogram uranium.

Conclusion:

Hence, a kilogram hydrogen nuclei will release more energy compare to a kilogram uranium.

(c)

To determine

The reason for which the result of part a and b is different.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction: In nuclear fusion reaction, two or more atomic nuclei are combined together. In nuclear fission reaction, an atomic nucleus disintegrates into smaller nuclei. In these reactions, reactant and product release energy due to difference in mass.

In part a, the mass of uranium nucleus and four hydrogen nuclei is different and the released energy depends on the mass and binding energy; so, uranium will release more energy. But in part b, the mass of hydrogen and uranium is same, so the released energy will depend on the binding energy per nucleon. Hydrogen atom has more binding energy per nucleon than uranium, so it will release more energy.

Conclusion:

Hence, the result of part a and b is different.