Question

The correct statement of the following is

• A. The Q-value of a nuclear process is the difference between final and initial kinetic energies.
• B. The nuclear mass is always higher than the total mass of its constituents.
• C. Nuclides with same number of neutrons in the nucleus are known as isotopes.
• D. In nuclear fusion, a heavy nucleus breaks into two smaller fragments.

Hint:

Q-value = final kinetic energy – initial kinetic energy.
Binding energy lowers nuclear mass.
Fusion combines nuclei; fission splits them.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The Q-value in nuclear reactions represents the net energy released or absorbed: \[ Q = \text{K.E.}_{\text{final}} - \text{K.E.}_{\text{initial}} = \left( \sum T_{\text{products}} \right) - \left( \sum T_{\text{reactants}} \right) \] Incorrect options: - (B) Nuclear mass is typically less than total mass of constituents due to binding energy. - (C) Nuclides with same neutrons are isotones, not isotopes. - (D) Nuclear fission, not fusion, splits a heavy nucleus.