Define the binding energy of a nucleus.
A uranium-238 nucleus at rest, $^{238}_{92}\text{U}$, decays to produce a thorium-234 nucleus, $^{234}_{90}\text{Th}$. An $\alpha$-particle and a gamma-ray photon are emitted. The decay is written as $^{238}_{92}\text{U} \rightarrow {}^{234}_{90}\text{Th} + {}^{4}_{2}\text{He} + {}^{0}_{0}\gamma$. State the connection between the binding energies of the nuclei that is consistent with this reaction being energetically possible.
Calculate, for this reaction, the change, in $\text{u}$, in mass.
Calculate, for this reaction, the total energy released, in $\text{J}$.
Calculate, for this reaction, the change, in $\text{u}$, of the mass.
Calculate, for this reaction, the total energy released, in J.
State and explain whether the energy of the gamma-ray photon is equal to the energy released in the reaction.