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

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).