Physics: Principles with Applications (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32162-592-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-32162-592-2

Chapter 31 - Nuclear Energy; Effects and Uses of Radiation - Misconceptual Questions - Page 910: 4

Answer

Choice B.

Work Step by Step

Fission and fusion processes release energy because the binding energy per nucleon of the final product is larger than that of the starting reactants (see Figure 31-12). If the average binding energy per nucleon always increased with increasing mass number, then fusion (moving to heavier nuclei) could occur for all elements. However, fission could not occur for any element.
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