Using the curve for the binding energy per nucleon as a function of mass number A, state clearly how the release in energy in the processes of nuclear fission and nuclear fusion can be explained.
The binding energy per nucleon increases when a heavy nucleus breaks into two lighter nuclei. That is, energy would be released during the process of nuclear fusion.
When light nuclei join to form a heavy nucleus, the binding energy per nucleon of fused heavier nucleus is more than the binding energy per nucleon of lighter nuclei. Again, there is release of energy in this process
