Assume that the nuclear binding energy per nucleon (B/A) versus mass number (A) is as shown in the figure. Use

this plot to choose the correct choice(s) given below. Figure

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.