Question

The figure shows the plot of binding energy (BE) per nucleon as a function mass number A. The letters A,B,C,D and E represent the positions of typical nuclei on the curve. Point out giving reasons, the two processes (in terms of A,B,C,D and E), one of which can occur due to nuclear fission and the other due to nuclear fusion.

Answer 1

The nuclei at A and B undergo nuclear fusion as their binding energy per nucleon is small and they are less stable so they fuse with other nuclei to become stable. The nuclei at E undergo nuclear fission as its binding energy per nucleon is less it splits into two or more lighter nuclei and becomes stable.