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 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 consume 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: (D)

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

Answer 2

In fusion, two or more lighter nuclei combine to make a comparatively heavier nucleus. In fission, a heavy nucleus breaks into more than one comparatively lighter nucleus. Further, energy will be released in a nuclear process if total binding energy increases. Therefore Correct option is that the fission of a nucleus lying in the mass range of 200 < A < 260 will release energy when broken into two equal fragments.