JEE Main 202624 JanuaryMorning Shift
- Exam
- JEE Main
- Year
- 2026
- Date
- 24 January
- Shift
- Morning Shift
- Subject
- Physics
- Chapter
- Nuclear Physics
JEE Main 2026 · 24 January · Morning Shift · Physics · Nuclear Physics
Given below are two statements: Statement I : For all elements,...
Given below are two statements:
Statement I: For all elements, greater the mass of the nucleus, greater is the binding energy per nucleon.
Statement II: For all elements, nuclei with less binding energy per nucleon transforms to nuclei with greater binding energy per nucleon.
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below
Statement I: For all elements, greater the mass of the nucleus, greater is the binding energy per nucleon.
Statement II: For all elements, nuclei with less binding energy per nucleon transforms to nuclei with greater binding energy per nucleon.
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below
Options
- AStatement I is true but Statement II is false
- BBoth Statement I and Statement II are true
- CBoth Statement I and Statement II are false
- DStatement I is false but Statement II is true
Correct answer
D. Statement I is false but Statement II is true
Step-by-step solution
Statement I is false because binding energy per nucleon does not increase monotonically with mass number. It peaks at Iron-56 and decreases for heavier elements.
Statement II is true. It describes the fundamental principle of nuclear reactions: fission of heavy nuclei (low BE/A) and fusion of light nuclei (low BE/A) both produce nuclei with higher binding energy per nucleon, releasing energy in the process. Both processes are energetically favorable for the same reason: moving toward higher stability (higher BE/A).
Statement II is true. It describes the fundamental principle of nuclear reactions: fission of heavy nuclei (low BE/A) and fusion of light nuclei (low BE/A) both produce nuclei with higher binding energy per nucleon, releasing energy in the process. Both processes are energetically favorable for the same reason: moving toward higher stability (higher BE/A).