Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Physics

Chapter

Nuclei

Question:

The curve of binding energy per nucleon as a function of atomic mass number has a sharp peak for helium nucleus. This implies that helium

Options:

Can easily be broken up

Is very stable

Can be used as fissionable material

Is radioactive

Correct Answer:

Is very stable

Explanation:

The elements high on the B.E. versus mass number plot are very tightly bound and hence, are stable. And the elements those are lower on this plot, are less tightly bound and hence, are unstable. Since helium nucleus shows a peak on this plot so, it is very stable.