Answer: 8.79 MeV/nucleon.
- A 8.79 MeV/nucleon
- B 5.6 MeV/nucleon
- C 14 MeV/nucleon
- D 56 MeV/nucleon
Correct answer: A. 8.79 MeV/nucleon
Explanation: BE/A = 492/56 ≈ 8.79 MeV/nucleon. This is the maximum for any stable nucleus, explaining why iron is the endpoint of stellar fusion.
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.