For the nuclei with number >100 a. The nucleus essentially...

For the nuclei with number $>100$ a. The nucleus essentially breaks up into two nuclides of equal mass releasing energy b. The two nuclei fuse to form a bigger nuclide releasing energy c. Binding energy of the nucleus increases on an average as A increases. d. Binding energy of the nucleus decreases on an average as A increases.

For the nuclei with number $>100$
a. The nucleus essentially breaks up into two nuclides of equal mass releasing energy
b. The two nuclei fuse to form a bigger nuclide releasing energy
c. Binding energy of the nucleus increases on an average as A increases.
d. Binding energy of the nucleus decreases on an average as A increases.

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Key Concepts

Binding Energy per Nucleon Curve

The binding energy per nucleon curve plots the average binding energy per nucleon as a function of the mass number. It peaks around mid-sized nuclei, such as iron, meaning that nuclei lighter than iron release energy through fusion while those heavier than iron release energy when they undergo fission. For heavy nuclei, the average binding energy per nucleon decreases as mass number increases, explaining why these nuclei are unstable and more prone to splitting apart.

Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear fusion refers to the joining of two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy if the resulting nucleus has a higher binding energy per nucleon. However, in the context of heavy nuclei (A > 100), fusion is not typically favored because these nuclei are already on the decreasing side of the binding energy curve, where fission rather than fusion releases energy.

Nuclear Fission

Nuclear fission is the process in which a heavy nucleus splits into two or more smaller nuclei, accompanied by the release of energy. This process is especially relevant for heavy nuclei (typically with mass numbers greater than 100) because the binding energy per nucleon is lower compared to mid-mass nuclei, making the split into fragments energetically favorable.

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