IB · E · multiple choice
Nuclear and quantum physics · Question 4
Nuclear and quantum physics · Original GioPhysics question with a detailed, mark-by-mark answer guide.
- Demand
- demanding
- Marks
- 1
- Topics
- 1
- Answer
- Complete
Which statement about the binding energy per nucleon curve is correct?
- A
It rises steadily with nucleon number across the whole range.
- B
It peaks near iron, so both fusing lighter nuclei and splitting heavier nuclei release energy.
- C
It peaks near uranium, which is why uranium is used as a nuclear fuel.
- D
It is the energy released when a nucleus is formed from its nucleons, divided by the nucleon number, and is greatest for hydrogen.
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Answer and reasoning
Predict from the governing principle before looking for a matching option. Then reject alternatives by checking direction, units, limiting behaviour or the physical meaning of each statement.
- 1
The correct choice is B: It peaks near iron, so both fusing lighter nuclei and splitting heavier nuclei release energy.
- 2
C reverses the position of the peak — uranium is used as a fuel precisely because it lies far to the right of the peak and can move towards it by splitting. D gets the definition right and the maximum wrong.
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