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Define 'binding energy'. Sketch the graph between binding energy per nucleon and mass number. |
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Answer» Conclusion. (i) There exists peaks in the curve corresponding to mass number `A=4, 12, 16, 20`. The nuclei corresponding to those mass number `""_(2)He^(4), ""_(6)C^(12), ""_(8)O^(16), ""_(10)Ne^(20)`, the peaks indicate that these nuclei have more binding energy per nucleon than their immediate NEIGHBOURS. So they are more STABLE nuclei. (II) Binding energy per nucleon is smaller for light and heavier nuclei i.e. light and heavier nuclei are less stable than middle one. In order to attain higher value of binding energy per nucleon, the heavier nuclei may split into lighter nuclei (process of fission) and lighter nuclei may unite to form heavier nuclei (process offusion). In both of these nuclear PROCESSES, a large amount of energy is released. 
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