Question

Which of the following results in the release of nuclear energy?

Please select the best answer from the choices provided


Only the breaking of nuclear bonds.
Only the forming of nuclear bonds.
Both the breaking of nuclear bonds and the forming of nuclear bonds.
Neither the breaking of nuclear bonds nor the forming of nuclear bonds.

Answer 1

Both the breaking of nuclear bonds and the forming of nuclear bonds.

Explanation: Energy is released whenever nuclei move to a state of higher binding energy per nucleon. Fusion of light nuclei (moving up the binding‑energy curve) and fission of heavy nuclei (moving down toward iron‑56) both increase binding energy per nucleon and thus release energy.