The starting materials in a nuclear change have a total mass of 2.3465 x 10-27 kg. After the change, the resulting materials have a mass of 2.3148 x 10-27 kg?

Complete question:

The starting materials in a nuclear change have a total mass of 2.3465 × 10⁻²⁷ kg. After the change, the resulting materials have a mass of 2.3148 × 10⁻²⁷ kg.

How much energy was released during the change?

the energy released during the nuclear change is 2.853 x 10⁻¹² J

Explanation:

Given;

total initial mass of the material, m₀ = 2.3465 x 10⁻²⁷ kg

final mass of the material after the nuclear change, m₁ = 2.3148 x 10⁻²⁷ kg

The energy released during the nuclear change is determined using Einstein mass defect equation;

E = Δmc²

where;

c is speed of light = 3 x 10⁸ m/s

Δm is mass defect = m₀ - m₁

Δm = 2.3465 x 10⁻²⁷ kg - 2.3148 x 10⁻²⁷ kg

Δm = 3.17 x 10⁻²⁹ kg

E = (3.17 x 10⁻²⁹)(3 x 10⁸)²

E = 2.853 x 10⁻¹² J

Therefore, the energy released during the nuclear change is 2.853 x 10⁻¹² J