The maximum binding energy per nucleon occurs at around mass number A = 50, and corresponds to the most stable nuclei. Iron nucleus Fe56 is located close to the peak with a binding energy per nucleon value of approximately 8.8 MeV.The daughter nuclei will possess a greater binding energy per nucleon.

The Binding Energy Per Nucleon

The binding energy per nucleon refers to the amount of energy required to completely separate the nucleons (protons and neutrons) in a nucleus. It is a measure of the stability of the nucleus and is an important factor in determining the properties and behavior of atomic nuclei.

Importance of the Binding Energy Per Nucleon

The binding energy per nucleon is a crucial quantity because it determines the stability and the energy release in nuclear reactions. Nuclei with a higher binding energy per nucleon are more stable and require more energy to break apart.

Explanation of the Correct Answer

The correct answer to the given question is option 'A', which states that the binding energy per nucleon is maximum for the nucleus 56Fe (iron-56). This is due to several reasons:

1. Nuclear Stability: Iron-56 is known to be one of the most stable nuclei. It has a balanced ratio of protons to neutrons, which contributes to its stability. Nuclei with an equal number of protons and neutrons or a slight excess of neutrons tend to have higher binding energies per nucleon.

2. Strong Nuclear Force: The strong nuclear force is responsible for holding the protons and neutrons together inside the nucleus. It is a short-range force that is attractive at small distances. In iron-56, the strong nuclear force is optimized, resulting in a higher binding energy per nucleon.

3. Nuclear Fusion and Fission: Iron-56 is often referred to as the "end point of stellar nucleosynthesis" because it is the most stable nucleus. Nuclear reactions that involve the fusion or fission of lighter or heavier nuclei tend to release energy until iron-56 is reached. This is because the binding energy per nucleon is highest for iron-56, making it energetically favorable.

4. Mass Defect: The binding energy per nucleon is related to the mass defect, which is the difference between the mass of the nucleus and the sum of the masses of its individual nucleons. Iron-56 has a relatively large mass defect, indicating a high binding energy per nucleon.

Overall, the maximum binding energy per nucleon for iron-56 (56Fe) is a consequence of its nuclear stability, optimized strong nuclear force, role in stellar nucleosynthesis, and mass defect.