Assume that the nuclear binding energy per uncleon `(B//A)` versus mass number `(A)` is as shwon in Fig. Use this plot to choose the correct choice `(s)` given below:

Options

A. Fusion of two nuclei with mass numbers lying in the range of `1 lt A lt 50` will release energy
B. Fusion of two nuclei with mass numbers lying in the range of `51 lt A lt 100` will release energy
C. Fission of nucleus lying in the mass range of `100 lt A lt 200` will release energy when broken into two equal fragments
D. Fission of a nucleus lying in the mass range of `200 lt A lt 260` will release energy when broken into two equal fragments

Answer

B, D

Explanation

(A) For `1 lt A lt 50`, on fusion mass number for compound nucleus is less than `100 B//A` remians same. Hence no energy is released
(B) For `51 lt A lt 100`, on fusion mass no. of compound nucleus is between `100` and `200`. `B//A` increaases. Hence energy is released.
(c ) On fission for `100 lt A lt 200`, the mass no. for fission nuclei will be between `50` to `100`. `B//A` decreases. Hence no energy is released.
(D) On fussion for `200 lt A lt 260`, the mass no. of fission nuclei will be between `100` to `130, B//A` will increase. Hence energy is released.