Question
Fission of nuclei is possible because the binding energy per nucleon in them
increases with mass number at high mass numbers
decreases with mass number at high mass numbers
increases with mass number at low mass numbers
decreases with mass number at low mass numbers
Solution
B.
decreases with mass number at high mass numbers
The binding energy per nucleon for the middle nuclides (from A= 20 to A= 56) is maximum. Hence, these are more stable. As the mass number increases, the binding energy per nucleon gradually decreases and ultimately binding energy per nucleon of heavy nuclides (such as uranium etc.) is comparatively low. Hence, these nuclides are relatively unstable so they can be finished easily.
