Question

which statement describes why energy is released in a nuclear fission reaction based on mass - energy equivalence? for large nuclei, the mass of the original nucleus is greater than the mass of the products. for large nuclei, the mass of the original nucleus is less than the mass of the products. for small nuclei, the binding energy of the lighter nuclei is greater than the binding energy of the heavier nucleus. for small nuclei, the binding energy of the lighter nuclei is less than the binding energy of the heavier nucleus.

Explanation:

In nuclear fission of large nuclei, mass - energy equivalence (E = mc²) applies. Some mass of the original nucleus is converted into energy. So the mass of the original nucleus is greater than the mass of the products. Small nuclei are not relevant to the mass - energy release in fission. Binding energy considerations are more relevant for fusion of small nuclei.

Answer:

For large nuclei, the mass of the original nucleus is greater than the mass of the products.