Question

The correct option from the following statements is:
Statement 1: Binding energy per nucleon is higher for heavy nuclei \((A > 170)\).
Statement 2: Binding energy per nucleon is lower for light nuclei \((A < 30)\).
Statement 3: Binding energy per nucleon in the range \(30 < A < 170\) is nearly constant since nuclear force is strong and short-ranged.
Statement 4: Binding energy per nucleon is higher for both light nuclei \((A < 30)\) and heavy nuclei \((A > 170)\).

• A. Only Statement 1
• B. Only Statement 2
• C. Only Statement 3
• D. Statement 2 and 3

Hint:

Binding energy per nucleon curve peaks near iron (Fe), explaining nuclear stability.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understand binding energy curve.
Binding energy per nucleon varies with mass number \(A\). It increases sharply for light nuclei, becomes nearly constant for medium nuclei, and slightly decreases for heavy nuclei.

Step 2: Analyze Statement 1.
For heavy nuclei \((A > 170)\), binding energy per nucleon actually decreases slightly due to proton-proton repulsion. Hence Statement 1 is false.

Step 3: Analyze Statement 2.
Light nuclei have lower binding energy per nucleon because nuclear force saturation is not fully effective at small nucleon numbers. Hence Statement 2 is true.

Step 4: Analyze Statement 3.
For medium nuclei \((30 < A < 170)\), binding energy per nucleon is nearly constant (~8 MeV) due to saturation property of nuclear force. Hence Statement 3 is true.

Step 5: Analyze Statement 4.
It claims both light and heavy nuclei have higher binding energy per nucleon, which contradicts experimental curve. Hence Statement 4 is false.

Step 6: Final conclusion.
Correct statements are 2 and 3 only. \[ \boxed{\text{Statement 2 and 3}} \]