The figure shows a plot of binding energy per nucleon $E_b$ against the nuclear mass $M$. $A, B, C, D, E, F$ correspond to different nuclei. Consider four reactions:
$(i) \, A + B \to C + \varepsilon$
$(ii) \, C \to A + B + \varepsilon$
$(iii) \, D + E \to F + \varepsilon$
$(iv) \, F \to D + E + \varepsilon$
where $\varepsilon$ is the energy released. In which reactions is $\varepsilon$ positive?

Find the energy equivalent of one atomic mass unit,first in $Joules$ and then in $MeV$. Using this,express the mass defect of $_{8}^{16} O$ in $MeV / c^{2}$.

What is the energy produced in $MeV$ when the mass equivalent to $1$ proton is completely converted into energy?

The curve of binding energy per nucleon as a function of atomic mass number has a sharp peak for the helium nucleus. This implies that helium

Answer the following questions:
$(a)$ Are the equations of nuclear reactions 'balanced' in the sense a chemical equation (e.g.,$2H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow 2H_2O$) is? If not,in what sense are they balanced on both sides?
$(b)$ If both the number of protons and the number of neutrons are conserved in each nuclear reaction,in what way is mass converted into energy (or vice-versa) in a nuclear reaction?
$(c)$ $A$ general impression exists that mass-energy interconversion takes place only in nuclear reactions and never in chemical reactions. This is strictly speaking,incorrect. Explain.

$A$ nucleus of mass $ 20 u $ emits a $ \gamma $ photon of energy $ 6 MeV $. If the emission is assumed to occur when the nucleus is free and at rest, then the nucleus will have a kinetic energy nearest to (take $ 1 u = 1.6 \times 10^{-27} kg $): (in $keV$)