Given the nuclear equation:

235 1 142 91 1
U + n -- Ba + Kr + 3 n + energy
92 0 56 36 0
The sum of the masses of the products is slightly less than the sum of the masses of the reactants. Explain this loss of mass.

Question

Given the nuclear equation:

235      1         142      91       1
     U +   n -->    Ba +   Kr + 3 n + energy
 92       0         56       36        0
The sum of the masses of the products is slightly less than the sum of the masses of the reactants. Explain this loss of mass.

anonymous · Answer

The energy which is released comes from this slight loss of mass. E=mc^2.(which would be a large even if mass is small.).