Question

Draw a plot of BE/A versus mass number A for 2 $\le$ A $\le$ 170. Use this graph to explain the release of energy in the process of nuclear fusion of two light nuclei.

Answer 1

From the plot, it can be clearly seen that after an atomic mass of nearly 56, which corresponds to Iron, the binding energy starts decreasing (i.e. Iron is the most tightly bound nucleus). Before Iron the binding energy is rapidly increasing mostly. Thus in general we can say that if two light nuclei fuse to form a heavy nuclei, they will release energy and hence will reach a more stable state.