The binding energy per nucleon is greatest for which of the following nuclei? (A) He (B) He (C) Fe (D) 232U (E) 232U

(C) Fe

Explanation:

In the periodic table, the binding energy of the nucleon is increasing from hydrogen to sodium due to the increase in the atomic mass.

After the xenon this pattern of increasing binding energy is not observed with increase in atomic mass because in these electromagnetic repulsive force will overcome the strong attractive force.

At the peak of the binding energy curve nickel-62 is preset which has highest BE per nucleon after that the second and third highest binding energy posses by Fe-58 and Fe-56 respectively.

Therefore iron (Fe) has the highest binding energy per nucleon.