Answer: 2.22 MeV.
- A 8.8 MeV
- B 4.4 MeV
- C 1.1 MeV
- D 2.22 MeV
Correct answer: D. 2.22 MeV
Explanation: Binding energy = Δm × 931.5 = 0.00239 × 931.5 ≈ 2.22 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.