A nucleus with binding energy $E_{b 1}$ fuses with one having binding energy $E_{b 2}$. The resulting nucleus has binding energy $E_{b 3}$. What is the total energy released in this fusion reaction?
A) $E_{b 1}+E_{b 2}-E_{b 3}$
B) $E_{b 3}-E_{b 1}-E_{b 2}$
C) $E_{b 3}+E_{b 1}+E_{b 2}$
D) $-E_{b 3}-E_{b 1}-E_{b 2}$
E) One cannot answer without more information.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The energy released in a fusion reaction is given by the difference between the sum of the binding energies of the initial nuclei and the binding energy of the resulting nucleus. Therefore, the correct formula is $E_{b 3}-E_{b 1}-E_{b 2}$.

A Nucleus with Binding Energy Eb1E_{b 1}Eb1​ Fuses with One Having Binding Energy

A Nucleus with Binding Energy $E_{b 1}$ Fuses with One Having Binding Energy