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.