If the nucleus of a lead atom were broken into two identical nuclei, the total mass of the result would be:
A)the same as before
B)greater than before
C)less than before
D)converted into radiation
E)converted into kinetic energy

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The total mass would be less than before due to the mass defect, where the mass of the nucleus is less than the sum of its constituent protons and neutrons due to the binding energy holding the nucleus together. When a nucleus is split, some of this mass is converted into energy according to Einstein's equation E=mc^2, resulting in a mass deficit.

If the Nucleus of a Lead Atom Were Broken into Two