Question

Which pair of nuclei can undergo a fusion reaction?

a) uranium-238 and lead-208
b) hydrogen-2 and hydrogen-3
c) zinc-64 and calcium-44 d) potassium-40 and cadmium-113

Answer 1

The pair of nuclei hydrogen-2 and hydrogen-3 can undergo a fusion reaction, forming a helium nucleus and a neutron while releasing significant energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nuclei pair that can undergo a fusion reaction is hydrogen-2 (deuterium) and hydrogen-3 (tritium). The process of thermonuclear fusion, which occurs at extremely high temperatures, involves these isotopes of hydrogen forming a helium nucleus and a neutron. The reaction is represented by the equation:

²H + ³H → ⁴He + n.

This reaction releases a significant amount of energy and is part of the process that powers the sun and other stars. The other pairs listed, including uranium-238 and lead-208, zinc-64 and calcium-44, and potassium-40 and cadmium-113, are not suitable for a fusion reaction due to their atomic structure and stability.

Answer 2

The correct answer is B. Fusion only happens between small atoms. Thus, hydrogen-2 and hydrogen-3 can undergo fusion. Fusion reaction happens when two or more nuclei combine or collide to form an element with a higher atomic number. In this process, some of the matter of the fusing nuclei is converted to energy.