Fission of nuclei is possible because the binding energy per...

Fission of nuclei is possible because the binding energy per nucleon in them
a. Increases with mass number at high mass number.
b. Decreases with mass number at high mass number
c. increases with mass number of low mass.
d. Decreases with mass number at low mass number

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Key Concepts

Nuclear Binding Energy Curve

The nuclear binding energy curve is a graphical representation showing how the binding energy per nucleon changes with the mass number. This curve rises steeply for light nuclei, reaching a peak around iron and nickel, and then gradually decreases for heavier nuclei. This shape explains why both fusion of light elements and fission of heavy elements can release energy by moving the system towards a configuration of higher binding energy per nucleon.

Nuclear Fission

Nuclear fission is the process in which a heavy nucleus splits into two or more lighter nuclei, releasing a significant amount of energy. This reaction is possible when the resulting fragments have a higher binding energy per nucleon compared to the original heavy nucleus, leading to a more stable configuration and energy release.

Binding Energy per Nucleon

This concept refers to the average energy that holds each nucleon together within a nucleus. It is an important measure of nuclear stability, indicating how tightly bound the nucleons are. It is typically calculated as the total binding energy divided by the number of nucleons, and its variation with mass number is crucial in understanding nuclear reactions.

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