NEETPhysicsNuclear Physics
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.
Options
- AFusion of two nuclei with mass numbers lying in the range of 1 < A < 50 will release energy.
- BFusion of two nuclei with mass numbers lying in the range of 51 < A < 100 will consume energy.
- CFission of a nucleus lying in the mass range of 100 < A < 200 will release energy when broken into two equal f
- DFission of a nucleus lying in the mass range of 200 < A < 260 will release energy when broken into two equal f
Correct answer
D. Fission of a nucleus lying in the mass range of 200 < A < 260 will release energy when broken into two equal f
Step-by-step solution
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.