Question

The figure shows the plot of binding energy (BE) per nucleon as a function of mass number A. The letters A, B, C, D, and E represent the positions of typical nuclei on the curve. Point out, giving reasons, the two processes (in terms of A, B, C, D, and E ), one of which can occur due to nuclear fission and the other due to nuclear fusion.

Answer 1

The nuclei at A and B undergo nuclear fusion as their binding energy per nucleon is small and they are less stable so they fuse with other nuclei to become stable. The nuclei at E undergo nuclear fission as its binding energy per nucleon is less it splits into two or more lighter nuclei and becomes stable.