Question

Assume that the nuclear binding energy per nucleon (B/A) versus mass number 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 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 number range of 100 < A < 200 will release energy when broken into equal fragments
• D. Fission of a nucleus lying in the mass number range of 200 < A < 260 will release energy when broken into equal fragments

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (D)

The correct options are
B

Fusion of two nuclei with mass numbers lying in the range of 51 < A < 100 will release energy

D

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

Energy is released if the total binding energy of the products is greater than the total binding energy of the reactants. This is not possible in choices (a) and (b). The correct choices are (b) and (d)