Question

The binding energy per nucleon is maximum for the nucleus

• A. $^{4}He$
• B. $^{16}O$
• C. $^{56}Fe$
• D. $^{238}U$
• E. $^{12}C$

Hint:

This is why iron is the final "dead end" for nuclear fusion in stars. Stars can fuse lighter elements into iron to release energy, but fusing iron requires energy input rather than releasing it!

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept:
Physics - Nuclear Physics (Binding Energy Curve).
Step 1: Define Binding Energy per Nucleon.
Binding energy per nucleon is the total binding energy of a nucleus divided by its mass number ($A$). It is a direct measure of nuclear stability.
Step 2: Analyze the Binding Energy Curve.
When we plot binding energy per nucleon against mass number:

• It is low for very light nuclei (fusion region).
• It is low for very heavy nuclei (fission region).
• It peaks in the middle of the periodic table.

[Image of binding energy per nucleon curve]
Step 3: Identify the peak point.
The curve reaches its maximum value of approximately $8.8$ MeV per nucleon for Iron-56 ($^{56}Fe$).
Step 4: Conclusion.
Iron ($^{56}Fe$) is the most stable nucleus because it has the highest binding energy per nucleon.