NEET2007PhysicsNuclear PhysicsActual
Fission of nuclei is possible because the binding energy per nucleon in them
Options
- Aincreases with mass number at high mass numbers
- Bdecreases with mass number at high mass numbers
- Cincreases with mass number at low mass numbers
- Ddecreases with mass number at low mass numbers
Correct answer
B. decreases with mass number at high mass numbers
Step-by-step solution
The binding energy per nucleon for the middle nuclides (from A=20 to A=56 ) is maximum. Hence, these are more stable. As the mass number increases, the binding energy per nucleon gradually decreases and ultimately binding energy per nucleon of heavy nuclides (such as uranium etc.) is comparatively low. Hence, these nuclides are relatively unstable. So, they can be fissioned easily.