(a)[2]
Explain the meaning of the binding energy of a nucleus.
(b)
The masses of some particles are listed in Fig. 10.1. The energy equivalent of $1.0\,\text{u}$ is $930\,\text{MeV}$.
(b(i))[3]
Calculate the binding energy, in MeV, of a tritium ($^{3}_{1}\text{H}$) nucleus.
(b(ii))[3]
The combined mass of the separate nucleons that form a polonium-210 ($^{210}_{84}\text{Po}$) nucleus is $211.70394\,\text{u}$. Calculate the binding energy per nucleon of polonium-210.
(c)[2]
One possible fission reaction is $^{235}_{92}\text{U} + ^{1}_{0}\text{n} \rightarrow ^{141}_{56}\text{Ba} + ^{92}_{36}\text{Kr} + 3\,^{1}_{0}\text{n}$. By reference to binding energy, explain, without any calculation, why this fission reaction is energetically possible.