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)) gt E_((iv)) gt E_((iii)) gt E_((ii)) gt E_((i))`
B. `E_((i)) gt E_((ii)) gt E_((iii)) gt E_((iv)) gt E_((v))`
C. `E_((ii)) gt E_((iii)) gt E_((iv)) gt E_((v)) gt E_((i))`
D. `E_((i)) gt E_((ii)) gt E_((iii)) gt E_((iv)) gt E_((v))`

Answer

C

Explanation

The binding energy per nucleon is lowest for very high nuclei such as `""_(2)^(4) He` , is greatest around A = 60 , and then decreases with increasing A .