Question

question 15 of 28
a deuterium (an isotope of hydrogen) nucleus (mass = 2.01355 amu) is made up of one proton (mass = 1.007276 amu) and one neutron (mass = 1.008665 amu). which statement best describes what happens when a deuterium nucleus breaks apart?

a. the mass increases and energy is absorbed.
b. the mass decreases and energy is released.
c. the mass increases and energy is released.
d. the mass decreases and energy is absorbed.

Explanation:

When a deuterium nucleus breaks apart, energy is required to overcome the nuclear binding energy holding the proton and neutron together. This energy is absorbed. According to Einstein's mass - energy equivalence ($E = mc^{2}$), when energy is absorbed, mass increases.

Answer:

A. The mass increases and energy is absorbed.