The binding energy per nucleon is greatest for nuclei near
- A. hydrogen
- B. iron
- C. uranium
- D. helium
Explanation
The curve of binding energy per nucleon rises steeply from hydrogen, peaks around iron and nickel at about 8.8 MeV, then falls slowly towards uranium. Nuclei on the left release energy by fusing towards the peak and those on the right by splitting towards it. This is why iron is the end point of fusion in a massive star.