In induced fission of U-235, neutrons are bombarded at the U-235, producing U-236. This U-236 then undergoes fission:
U-235 + n --> U-236 --> Ba-141 + Kr-92 + 3n
As far as I understand, the energy released in fission is gained as kinetic energy of the products, and also released as gamma photons/beta particles and neutrinos when the products decay. My confusion lies in calculating the energy released, as I do not think the method in the textbook is correct.
The absorbed neutron loses nuclear potential energy. This causes the binding energy of U-236>U-235, meaning the rest mass of U-236 is less than the rest mass of U-235 + n. This increase in binding energy is then used to deform the nucleus into a double-lobed drop allowing the two fragments to separate due to electrostatic repulsion.
The two fragments formed have a greater binding energy per nucleon than U-236, and hence the binding energy of the fragments is greater than U-236. (In turn causing the mass of the products to decrease). However this increase in binding energy is gained as kinetic energy of the products/released as gamma photons etc.
Mo1 = Mass(U235+n)
Mo2= MassU236
Mo3 = Massfissionproducts
B1=binding energy of U235
B2=binding energy of U236
B3 = binding energy of fission products
The energy released in fission is due to the increase in binding energy B3-B2. The increase in binding energy B2-B1 is used to deform the nucleus - it is not 'released'. Therefore the energy released in the fission process = (Mo2-Mo3)c^2.
However my textbook states that the energy released in the fission process =(Mo1-Mo3)c^2. I don't understand this as they are including the energy to deform the nucleus, (Mo1-Mo2)c^2, when this is not actually released.
Any help is greatly appreciated!