Question

Directions: The following question has four choices, out of which one or more are correct. Assume that the nuclear binding energy per nucleon $\left(\frac{B}{A}\right)$ versus mass number (A) is as shown in the figure. Use this plot to choose the correct answer(s) from the choices given below.

• (A) Fusion of two nuclei with mass numbers lying in the range of 1 < A < 50 will release energy.
• (B) Fusion of two nuclei with mass numbers lying in the range of 51 < A < 100 will release energy.
• (C) Fission of a nucleus lying in the mass range of 100 < A < 200 will release energy when broken into two equal fragments.
• (D) Fission of a nucleus lying in the mass range of 200 < A < 260 will release energy when broken into two equal fragments.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B, C

Explanation:
Energy will be released when final binding energy is more than that of initial binding energy.Binding energy = Binding energy per nucleon  Number of nucleonsBinding energy of two nuclei with mass numbers lying in the range of 51 < A < 100 combined is less than that of nuclei with A > 100.Binding energy of nuclei with A > 200 is greater than that of two nuclei with mass number lying in the range of A > 100 combined. Hence, fusion of two nuclei with mass numbers lying in the range of 51 < A < 100 will release energy.200 < A < 260 will release energy when broken into two equal fragments.