Question

Which of the following statement(s) is/are true in respect of nuclear binding energy?
(i) The mass energy of a nucleus is larger than the total mass energy of its individual protons and neutrons.
(ii) If a nucleus could be separated into its nucleons, an energy equal to the binding energy would have to be transferred to the particles during the separating process.
(iii) The binding energy is a measure of how well the nucleons in a nucleus are held together.
(iv) The nuclear fission is somehow related to acquiring higher binding energy.

• A. Statements (i), (ii), and (iii) are true
• B. Statements (ii), (iii), and (iv) are true.
• C. Statements (ii) and (iii) are true.
• D. All four statements are true

Hint:

In nuclear binding energy, the total mass of the nucleus is always less than the sum of the masses of its individual nucleons. This mass difference is the binding energy.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Statement (i): The nucleus's mass energy is less than the sum of its constituent protons and neutrons' mass energies, a consequence of binding energy. This statement is false.

Statement (ii): Separating a nucleus into its nucleons requires supplying energy equal to the binding energy to counter the nuclear forces. This statement is true.

Statement (iii): Binding energy quantifies the strength of the nucleons' (protons and neutrons) attraction within the nucleus. This statement is true.

Statement (iv): Nuclear fission splits a heavy nucleus into lighter ones, releasing binding energy and increasing the binding energy per nucleon in the fragments. This statement is true.

Therefore, statements (ii), (iii), and (iv) are the correct answers.