The data below list the average binding energy per nucleon for four representative nuclei.
(a) Nucleus A Binding energy per nucleon
²H 2 1.1 MeV
⁴He 4 7.1 MeV
⁵⁶Fe 56 8.8 MeV
²³⁵U 235 7.6 MeV
(b) (i) From the information above, identify which nuclei would liberate energy when (a) fused with similar light nuclei and (b) split into two nearly equal fragments.
(c) (ii) Two deuterium nuclei fuse to form one ⁴He nucleus. Using the values given, calculate the approximate energy released per fusion event in MeV.
(d) (iii) One ²³⁵U nucleus undergoes fission into two fragments of A ≈ 118 each, whose average binding energy per nucleon is 8.5 MeV. Estimate the energy released per fission event in MeV and compare it with your answer in part (ii).