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title: "Nuclear fission involves a heavy nucleus splitting into smaller fragments, whereas nuclear fusion involves light nuclei combining into a heavier nucleus. Based on the principles of nuclear structure and the curve of binding energy per nucleon as a function of mass number, which of the following statements correctly explains why both nuclear fission and nuclear fusion can release energy?"
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url: "https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/116484/"
date_modified: "2026-08-04T05:02:09+00:00"
---

# Nuclear fission involves a heavy nucleus splitting into smaller fragments, whereas nuclear fusion involves light nuclei combining into a heavier nucleus. Based on the principles of nuclear structure and the curve of binding energy per nucleon as a function of mass number, which of the following statements correctly explains why both nuclear fission and nuclear fusion can release energy?

Nuclear fission involves a heavy nucleus splitting into smaller fragments, whereas nuclear fusion involves light nuclei combining into a heavier nucleus. Based on the principles of nuclear structure and the curve of binding energy per nucleon as a function of mass number, which of the following statements correctly explains why both nuclear fission and nuclear fusion can release energy?

- **A.** In fission, energy is released because the products have a lower binding energy per nucleon than the reactants, whereas in fusion, energy is released because the products have a higher binding energy per nucleon than the reactants.
- **B.** In both processes, energy is released because the total mass of the products is greater than the total mass of the reactants.
- **C.** In both processes, energy is released because the products have a higher binding energy per nucleon than the reactants.
- **D.** In both processes, energy is released because the total number of nucleons in the products is greater than the total number of nucleons in the reactants.

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