Chapter 40, Problem 35A

Your tutor says atomic nuclei are converted to energy in a nuclear reaction. Why should you seek a new tutor?

To determine

Whether the given statement is correct or not.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The mass of the atom changes into energy in the nuclear reaction. The energy and mass are exchanged in the reaction.

The momentum of the atom always remains conserved, but the energy and mass are exchanged in the nuclear reaction. The atomic nucleus contains the proton and neutrons. The mass of the atom consists of a mass of electrons, protons and neutrons. If all the subatomic particles are undergoing nuclear reaction, then the mass of all subatomic particle’s changes to energy.

Conclusion:

Thus, the statement is wrong due to non-consideration the mass of the electron.