Question

Assume that the nuclear binding energy per nucleon $( B / A )$ versus mass number $( A )$ is as shown in the figure. Use this plot to choose the correct choice(s) given below. Figure:

• A. Fusion of two nuclei with mass numbers lying in the range of $1< A <50$ will release energy
• B. Fusion of two nuclei with mass numbers lying in the range of $51< A <100$ will release energy
• C. Fission of a nucleus lying in the mass range of $100< A <200$ will release energy when broken into two equal fragments
• D. Fission of a nucleus lying in the mass range of $200< A <260$ will release energy when broken into two equal fragments

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (D)

If $( BE )_{\text {final }}-( BE )_{\text {initial }}>0$
Energy will be released.