Question

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

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

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (D)

Fission of a nucleus lying in the mass range $200<A<260$ will release energy when broken into two equal fragments.

From the diagram, we can see that highly stable nuclei lies between mass number $100$ to $200$.

For fusion, two atoms of atomic mass no. between $50-100$ will combine and produce an atomic number of $100-200$ and will be more stable than individual atoms by releasing the energy.

Hence, option $\left(B\right)$ is correct.

For fission, an atom of atomic mass no more than $200-260$ will form two atoms of equal atomic number between $100-200$ and new atoms will be more stable than parent atom by releasing the energy.

Hence, option $\left(D\right)$ is also correct.