Question

When the number of nucleons in a nuclues increases the binding energy per nucleons ?

• A. Increase continuously with mass number
• B. Decreases continuously with mass number
• C. Remains constant with mass number
• D. First increases and then decreases with increase in mass number

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The binding energy per nucleon first increases up to iron-$56$, then decreases gradually as shown in the figure.
As $Z$ increases the number of nucleons in nuclei increase.
Hence the binding energy per nucleon first increases and then decreases with increase of mass number.