Sample answer:
The binding energy of a nucleon is a measure of the strength of the bond between a nuclear force and the nucleus. For a typical nucleus the binding energy is equivalent to the mass
defect by the formula E = mc2. For elements below iron (Fe) the joining together of atoms produces nuclei with higher binding energy per nucleon producing energy. This is called nuclear fusion. For elements larger than Iron, which are split into two new smaller nuclei, the binding energy per nucleon is greater than the average binding energy, again releasing energy. This is called nuclear fission.