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The two isotopes of hydrogen, tritium and deuterium are used in nuclear weapons.

A. True
B. False

User Mohangraj
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The statement is true since both deuterium and tritium are used in nuclear weapons for their role in nuclear fusion reactions, which unleash significant energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that the two isotopes of hydrogen, tritium and deuterium, are used in nuclear weapons is A. True. Both of these isotopes can be involved in nuclear fusion reactions, which are the underlying processes in thermonuclear weapons, commonly known as hydrogen bombs. Deuterium (²H or D) and tritium (³H or T) nuclei can fuse to form a helium nucleus and a neutron in a reaction that releases massive amounts of energy. This phenomenon is based on the concept of thermonuclear fusion, which requires very high temperatures to overcome the repulsive forces between the positively charged nuclei, allowing them to collide and combine.

Deuterium is more abundant and can be sourced from seawater, while tritium is rare and radioactive, but both are vital components for the fusion process used in hydrogen bombs. The notable reaction: ²H + ³H → ⁴He + n, where 'n' represents a neutron, demonstrates how these isotopes contribute to the release of energy in nuclear weapons.

User Cvekaso
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