Question

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 transform to nuclei with greater binding energy per nucleon.
Choose the correct answer.

• A. Statement I is true but Statement II is false
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are false
• C. Statement I is false but Statement II is true
• D. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
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Hint:

Maximum nuclear stability occurs near iron due to peak binding energy per nucleon.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Analysing Statement I.
Binding energy per nucleon does not continuously increase with mass number; it peaks near iron and then decreases. Hence Statement I is false.
Step 2: Analysing Statement II.
Nuclear reactions like fusion and fission occur to increase binding energy per nucleon, making nuclei more stable. Hence Statement II is true.
Step 3: Final conclusion.
Statement I is false and Statement II is true, corresponding to option (1).