Which process releases more energy per nucleon and why?

Which process releases more energy per nucleon and why?

• A. Fusion of light nuclei releases more energy per nucleon because binding energy per nucleon increases toward iron
• B. Fission of heavy nuclei releases more energy per nucleon because heavy nuclei have greater binding energy
• C. Both release the same energy per nucleon
• D. Fusion releases less energy per nucleon due to higher mass loss

Answer: (A)