Answer: 93.15 MeV.
- A 9.3 MeV
- B 93.15 MeV
- C 931.5 MeV
- D 1862 MeV
Correct answer: B. 93.15 MeV
Explanation: E = Δm·931.5 = 0.1·931.5 = 93.15 MeV.
Binding energy per nucleon rises sharply for light nuclei, peaks around iron-56 (the most stable nucleus), then slowly declines for heavier nuclei - which is exactly why fusing light nuclei or splitting heavy nuclei both release energy: each moves the products toward this stability peak.
Concept context
Radioactivity, nuclear reactions, fission, fusion, and binding energy.