Question

Explain the processes of nuclear fission and nuclear fusion by using the plot of binding energy per nucleon (BE/A) versus the mass number A

Answer 1

A plot of binding energy per nucleon (BE/A) versus the mass number A

As we move from heavy nuclei region to the middle region of the plot, there is a gain in the overall binding energy and hence, in the release of energy. This indicates that energy can be released when a heavy nucleus breaks into roughly two equal fragments.This process is called nuclear fission.

When we move from lighter nuclei to heavier nuclei, there will be the gain in the overall binding energy and release of energy. This is called nuclear fusion