Q 12-13-017NEETJEE MainEasy
The binding energy per nucleon is highest for nuclei with mass number around
Answer: (D) $56$
Concept. The binding energy per nucleon curve rises steeply for light nuclei, peaks, then falls slowly for heavy nuclei.
Step 1. Peak. The maximum, about $8.8$ MeV per nucleon, is near iron, $A \approx 56$. (That is why fusion of light nuclei and fission of heavy ones both release energy.)
Answer. $56$ (Option D).
Solution by Sreeraj P, M.Sc Physics