Question

The nuclear energy is produced due to
1. chemical reaction
2. loss of kinetic energy of one reactant
3. loss in electromagnetic potential energy
4. conversion of a small part of mass into energy

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : conversion of a small part of mass into energy

CONCEPT:

Nuclear energy:

• The energy released, when some changes take place in the nucleus of an atom of a substance, is called nuclear energy.

Binding energy:

• The particles present in the nucleus (proton and neutron) are called nucleons.
• The sum of the individual masses of various particles in the nucleus must be equal to the nuclear mass, but this is not happening.
• The nuclear mass is somewhat less than the sum of the individual masses of various nuclear particles.
• The difference between the actual nuclear mass and the expected nuclear mass is called the mass defect.
• The energy equivalent to mass defect is responsible for holding the nucleons together and is called the binding energy of the nucleus.

EXPLANATION:

• The energy equivalent to mass defect is responsible for holding the nucleons together and is called the binding energy of the nucleus.
• The energy equal to binding energy is released during the nuclear reaction.
• Hence, option 4 is correct.