Mass Defect and Energy Release in Fission – Rankers Physics
Topic: Modern Physics
Subtopic: Nucleus

Mass Defect and Energy Release in Fission

When \(^{235}_{92}\text{U}\) undergoes fission, 0.2% of its original mass is changed into energy. How much energy is released if 1 kg of \(^{235}_{92}\text{U}\) undergoes fission?
\[18 \times 10^{11} J\]
\[6 \times 10^{5} J\]
\[18 \times 10^{13} J\]
\[18 \times 10^{10} J\]

Solution:

Formula: \(E = \Delta m c^2\). The mass defect is \(\Delta m = 0.2\%\ of 1 kg = 0.002\text{ kg}\). Thus, \(E = 0.002 \times (3 \times 10^8)^2 = 18 \times 10^{13}\text{ J}\).

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