Rank the following nuclei in order from largest to smallest value of the binding energy per nucleon:
(i) `._2^4H`, (ii) `_(24)^(52)Cr`, (iii) `._(62)^(152)Sm`, (iv) `._(80)^(100)Hg`, (v) `._(92)^(252)Cf`.

Options

A. `E_(v) gtE_(iv) gtE_(iii) gtE_(ii) gtE_(i)`
B. `E_(i) gtE_(ii) gtE_(iii) gtE_(iv) gtE_(v)`
C. `E_(ii) gtE_(iii) gtE_(iv) gtE_(v) gtE_(i)`
D. `E_(i) =E_(ii) =E_(iii) =E_(iv) =E_(v)`

Answer

C

Explanation

The binding energy per nucleon is lowest for very light nuclei such as `._2^4He` , is greatest around `A=60,` and then decreases with incereasing `A`.