Case study·Standard multi-step (3/5)·Calculator allowed
Difficulty guide
The label describes the problem, not your ability.
1/5 - Foundational
Warm-up setup; checks one basic idea.
2/5 - Routine exam skill
Normal syllabus skill; usually one main rule or interpretation.
3/5 - Standard multi-step
Exam-style problem with multiple steps or a common trap.
4/5 - Hard exam skill
High-end exam problem; combines methods carefully.
5/5 - Challenge
Stretch problem beyond normal exam pressure.
Question
The labelled points L, M and H on the binding-energy-per-nucleon curve represent light, medium and heavy nuclei respectively. A heavy nucleus near H has and binding energy per nucleon . It splits into fragments with the same total mass number and average binding energy per nucleon .
Total: 6 marks
(a) Which labelled point represents the most stable region? (1 mark)
(b) Find the increase in binding energy per nucleon in the fission described. (1 mark)
(c) Estimate the total energy released in this fission event. (2 marks)
(d) Use the curve to explain why this fission releases energy. (2 marks)
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