During a nuclear reaction, a mass defect of 0.02\text{ u} is observed. Given that 1\text{ … — JAMB UTME

During a nuclear reaction, a mass defect of $0.02\text{ u}$ is observed. Given that $1\text{ u} = 931\text{ MeV}$ , what is the total energy released in this reaction?

$18.62\text{ MeV}$ Answer
B
$46\,550\text{ MeV}$
C
$931.02\text{ MeV}$
D
$18.62\text{ J}$

Answer

18.62\text{ MeV}

The energy released in a nuclear reaction is determined by multiplying the mass defect

\Delta m

by the energy equivalence factor (

931\text{ MeV}

per atomic mass unit). Multiplying

0.02\text{ u}

931\text{ MeV/u}

yields

18.62\text{ MeV}

Step-by-Step Solution

Identify the mass defect and the energy equivalence factor.

Mass defect

\Delta m = 0.02\text{ u}

and

1\text{ u} = 931\text{ MeV}

The energy released in a nuclear reaction is directly proportional to its mass defect.

Calculate the total energy released by multiplying mass defect by energy equivalent per unit mass.

E = 0.02\text{ u} \times 931\text{ MeV/u} = 18.62\text{ MeV}

Applying the conversion factor yields the energy released in

\text{MeV}

Key Concept

Mass defect and energy conversion in nuclear reactions

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