Physics

Problem

A hypothetical fusion process combines two identical

^{100}_{42}\!\text{Mo}

nuclei to form one

^{200}_{80}\!\text{Hg}

nucleus:

^{100}_{42}\!\text{Mo}+^{100}_{42}\!\text{Mo}\;\longrightarrow\;^{200}_{80}\!\text{Hg}.

The binding energy per nucleon is approximately

8.6\,\text{MeV}

for

A=100

nuclei and

7.6\,\text{MeV}

for

A=200

nuclei. a. (i) Calculate the total binding energy of the reactants and of the product. b. (ii) Find the energy change

Q

for the reaction and state whether the process is exothermic or endothermic. c. (iii) Explain, with reference to the general trend of binding energy per nucleon, why your answer in (ii) is expected.

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