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 a nucleus lying in the 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`
`implies` Binding energy nucleon remains same
`implies` No energy is released
(B) For `51 lt A lt 100` on fusion mass number for compound nucleus is between `100` & `200`
`implies` binding energy per nucleon increases
`implies` Energy is released.
(C) For `100 lt A lt 200`, on fission, the mass number of product nuclei will be between `50` & `100`
`implies` Binding energy per nucleon decreases
`implies` No energy is released
(D) For `200 lt A lt 260`, on fission, the mass number of product nuclei will be between `100` & `130`
`implies` Binding energy per nucleon increases
`implies` Energy is released.