Nuclear energy is released in fusion reaction, since binding energy per nucleon is

Options

A. Smaller of fusion products than for fusing nuclei
B. same for fusion products as for fusing nuclei
C. Larger for fusion products than for fusion nuclei
D. Sometimes larger and sometimes smaller

Answer

To determine why nuclear energy is released in a fusion reaction based on binding energy per nucleon, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand Fusion Reaction**:
- In a fusion reaction, two or more lighter nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. This process releases energy.

2. **Define Binding Energy**:
- The binding energy of a nucleus is the energy required to disassemble it into its constituent protons and neutrons. The binding energy per nucleon is the binding energy divided by the number of nucleons (protons + neutrons) in the nucleus.

3. **Energy Release in Fusion**:
- For energy to be released in a fusion reaction, the total binding energy of the products must be greater than that of the reactants. This means that the binding energy per nucleon of the products must be greater than that of the reactants.

4. **Establish the Relation**:
- Let’s denote the binding energy per nucleon of the reactants (the fusing nuclei) as \( BE_{reactants} \) and that of the products as \( BE_{products} \).
- The energy released (Q value) in the fusion reaction can be expressed as:
\[ Q = BE_{products} - BE_{reactants} \]
- For energy to be released, \( Q \) must be greater than zero:
\[ BE_{products} > BE_{reactants} \]

5. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, in a fusion reaction, the binding energy per nucleon of the fusion products is larger than that of the fusing nuclei (reactants). This is why energy is released during the fusion process.

### Final Answer:
The binding energy per nucleon is larger for fusion products than for fusing nuclei.

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