features of binding energy curve - Physics - Nuclei

Question

features of binding energy curve?

Shikha Bhadoria · Accepted Answer

Binding energy per nucleon is practically constant for mass number. (30 < A < 170)
Binding energy per nucleon is lower for both light nuclei (A < 30) and heavy nuclei (A > 170).
Importance of Binding energy curve
As we move from heavy nuclei region to the middle region of the plot, there is a gain in the overall binding energy and hence, in the release of energy. This indicates that energy can be released when a heavy nucleus breaks into roughly two equal fragments.
When we move from lighter nuclei to heavier nuclei, there will be gain in the overall binding energy and release of energy. This is called nuclear fusion.
This process is called nuclear fission.