Answer: Splitting of heavy nucleus.
- A Fusion of light nuclei
- B Splitting of heavy nucleus
- C Radioactive decay
- D Beta emission
Correct answer: B. Splitting of heavy nucleus
Explanation: Nuclear fission: a heavy nucleus (like U-235) splits into two medium-mass nuclei + neutrons + large energy release.
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.