The table below lists four nuclides together with their binding energy per nucleon values.
Nuclide Binding energy per nucleon (MeV)
24He 7.1
816O 7.9
2656Fe 8.8
92235U 7.6
(a) Arrange the above nuclides in the order of decreasing nuclear stability.
(b) Which of the listed nuclides is most likely to release energy through nuclear fission? Give a reason.
(c) Between 24He and 816O, which one is more likely to release energy through nuclear fusion? Justify your answer.
(d) Explain why the binding energy per nucleon curve has a maximum around mass number A≈56.