(Very) Short Question on Nuclear Reaction

[bleedblue1234]

Homework Statement

The nuclear reaction X yields Y + Z occurs spontaneously. If MX, MY, and MZ are the masses of the three particles, which of the following relationships is true?

A Mx - Mz < My
B Mx = Mz + My
C Mx < My + Mz
D Mx - My < Mz
E Mx > My + Mz

The Attempt at a Solution

I believe it is choice C because you know the nucleons mass must be greater than the nucleus because of E=mc^2 since they have more total energy... but A and D are equivelant mathematically...

 

[bleedblue1234]

any help? need some clarification...

 

[bleedblue1234]

Alright, new perspective...

If it occurs spontaneously... there must be a loss of free energy right? So that must mean a loss of mass? Which means Mx > My + Mz?

 

[bleedblue1234]

this is antagonizing... any help?