Question

Four nuclei of an element undergo fusion to form a heavier nucleus, with release of energy. Which of the two - the parent or the daughter nucleus - would have higher binding energy per nucleon ?

Answer 1

Daughter nucleus has higher binding energy per nucleon.

• The mass of heavier nucleus (daughter) is less than the sum of masses of combining nuclei.
• So mass defect is more in daughter nuclei, so binding energy per nucleon is more.