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From the Binding energy per nucleon curve, one can deduce that
  • a)
    Nuclei with smaller mass number tend to undergo nuclear fission 
  • b)
    Nuclei with larger mass number tend to undergo nuclear fusion 
  • c)
    Nuclei with larger mass number tend to undergo nuclear fission 
  • d)
    Nuclei with lower mass number tend to undergo fusion 
Correct answer is option 'C,D'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
From the Binding energy per nucleon curve, one can deduce thata)Nuclei...
B.E./Neutron
Nuclei with smaller A fuse to form a nucleus of higher A which has more B.E./nucleon compared to the reactants. Nuclei with higher A(~200) fission into nuclei of smaller A which have higher B.E./nuclei  (thus they are more stable).
The correct answers are: Nuclei with lower mass number tend to undergo fusion, Nuclei with larger mass number tend to undergo nuclear fission
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Most Upvoted Answer
From the Binding energy per nucleon curve, one can deduce thata)Nuclei...
Binding Energy per Nucleon Curve

The binding energy per nucleon curve is a plot that shows the average binding energy per nucleon as a function of the mass number of the nucleus. The binding energy per nucleon is the amount of energy required to completely separate the nucleons (protons and neutrons) in a nucleus.

Nuclear Fission

Nuclear fission is the process in which a heavy nucleus splits into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy. This process usually occurs in heavy nuclei such as uranium-235 and plutonium-239. The energy released in nuclear fission is due to the conversion of some of the mass of the nucleus into energy according to the famous equation E=mc^2.

Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear fusion is the process in which two or more lighter nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy. This process occurs in stars and is responsible for the release of energy in the form of light and heat. Nuclear fusion requires extremely high temperatures and pressures to overcome the electrostatic repulsion between the positively charged nuclei.

Explanation of the Correct Answer

The correct answer is option 'C,D', which states that nuclei with larger mass numbers tend to undergo nuclear fission and nuclei with lower mass numbers tend to undergo fusion. Here's the explanation for each option:

Option C: Nuclei with larger mass number tend to undergo nuclear fission
Nuclear fission is more likely to occur in nuclei with larger mass numbers because these nuclei have a larger number of nucleons, which increases the likelihood of the nucleons being unstable and the nucleus being less tightly bound. As a result, these nuclei are more likely to undergo fission, where they split into smaller, more stable nuclei.

Option D: Nuclei with lower mass number tend to undergo fusion
Nuclear fusion is more likely to occur in nuclei with lower mass numbers because these nuclei have a smaller number of nucleons, which reduces the electrostatic repulsion between the positively charged protons. This makes it easier for the nuclei to overcome the repulsion and come close enough for the strong nuclear force to bind them together, resulting in fusion.

Conclusion

In summary, the binding energy per nucleon curve provides important insights into the stability and behavior of atomic nuclei. Nuclei with larger mass numbers tend to undergo nuclear fission because they are less stable and have a higher binding energy per nucleon. On the other hand, nuclei with lower mass numbers tend to undergo fusion because they are more stable and have a lower binding energy per nucleon.
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From the Binding energy per nucleon curve, one can deduce thata)Nuclei with smaller mass number tend to undergo nuclear fissionb)Nuclei with larger mass number tend to undergo nuclear fusionc)Nuclei with larger mass number tend to undergo nuclear fissiond)Nuclei with lower mass number tend to undergo fusionCorrect answer is option 'C,D'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
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