Physics

Problem

Consider the following data: (i) Fusion:

^{20}_{10}\text{Ne} + ^{20}_{10}\text{Ne} \rightarrow ^{40}_{20}\text{Ca}

Average binding energy per nucleon:

^{20}_{10}\text{Ne} = 8.0\,\text{MeV}

^{40}_{20}\text{Ca} = 8.6\,\text{MeV}

(ii) Fission:

^{240}_{94}\text{Pu} \rightarrow 2\,^{120}_{50}\text{Sn}

Average binding energy per nucleon:

^{240}_{94}\text{Pu} = 7.6\,\text{MeV}

^{120}_{50}\text{Sn} = 8.5\,\text{MeV}

a. (a) Calculate the energy released in reaction (i). b. (b) Calculate the energy released in one event of reaction (ii). c. (c) Which process releases more energy per nucleon? Show your reasoning.

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