For nuclei with A>100, (a) binding energy per nucleon...

For nuclei with $\mathrm{A}>100$,
(a) binding energy per nucleon decreases with increase in A
(b) binding energy per nucleon increases with increase in $\mathrm{A}$
(c) energy is released if the nucleus breaks into two parts
(d) energy is released if two nuclei fuse together

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Key Concepts

Nuclear Fission

Nuclear fission is the process by which a heavy nucleus splits into two or more lighter nuclei. This process releases energy because the daughter nuclei have a higher binding energy per nucleon than the original heavy nucleus. The energy released during fission is a consequence of the system moving to a more stable configuration.

Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear fusion involves the combination of two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus. This process is exothermic when the resulting nucleus has a higher binding energy per nucleon compared to the initial nuclei, meaning that more energy is released than required for the reaction. Fusion is responsible for the energy production in stars and has potential applications in energy generation on Earth.

Binding Energy per Nucleon

This concept measures the average energy that binds each nucleon to the nucleus. It explains nuclear stability and how tightly the nucleons are held together, with a peak typically around intermediate mass nuclei. For very heavy nuclei (with A > 100), the binding energy per nucleon tends to decrease slightly, indicating lower average stability compared to nuclei near the peak energy region.

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