Binding energy per nucleon for ⁵⁶Fe:
AAbout 1 MeV
B100 MeV
C13.6 eV
DAbout 8.8 MeV (peak of binding energy curve)
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. About 8.8 MeV (peak of binding energy curve)
⁵⁶Fe has the highest binding energy per nucleon (~8.8 MeV). Hence the most stable nucleus. Both lighter (fusion) and heavier nuclei (fission) release energy when moving toward iron.
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