Question

8) Which statement best describes the process of nuclear fusion?

A. A destabilized (induced) nucleus splits into two or more nuclei.
B. Two nuclei combine to form one larger nuclei.
C. An unstable nucleus releases an electron.
D. An unstable nucleus releases a particle containing two protons and two neutrons.

9) Nuclear reactions can be written out in equation form, with information about the nuclei that undergo the change and those that are produced in the nuclear reaction. When looking at equations like this, how can you identify a reaction as a fission reaction?
A. A nucleus with a large mass will be on the right side, and two or more smaller mass nuclei will be on the left side.
B. An alpha, beta, or gamma will be one of the reactants.
C. A nucleus with a large mass will be on the left side, and two or more smaller mass nuclei will be on the right side.
D. An alpha, beta or gamma will be one of the products.

Answer 1

B. Two nuclei combine to form one larger nucleus. This is the process of nuclear fusion, which occurs when atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy in the process.

C. A nucleus with a large mass will be on the left side, and two or more smaller mass nuclei will be on the right side. This describes a fission reaction, which occurs when a heavy nucleus is split into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy in the process. In contrast, nuclear fusion reactions involve the combination of two lighter nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, with the release of energy. The presence of alpha, beta, or gamma particles can occur in both fission and fusion reactions and does not necessarily identify the reaction as fission.