Chapter 40, Problem 41A

How does the mass per nucleon in uranium compare with the mass per nucleon in the fission fragments of uranium?

To determine

The comparison of mass per nucleon in uranium with the mass per nucleon in the fission fragments of uranium.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The mass per nucleon is the average mass of each nucleon in the nucleus of an atom. The mass per nucleon of the lightest atom is the heaviest and least for the iron.

The mass per nucleon of an atom obtains by dividing the total mass of the nucleus by the number of nucleons. The number of nucleons is greater for the higher atomic number and less for the lower atomic number, so the mass per nucleon is highest for the lightest atom and lowest for the heaviest atom.

The nucleus of the fission fragments of the uranium is lighter than uranium nucleus. The mass per nucleon after the iron increases with an increase in atomic number. So, the mass per nucleon is less for uranium fission fragments than the uranium.

Conclusion:

Thus, the mass per nucleon in fission fragments of uranium is less than the mass per nucleon in uranium.