Question

Nuclear reactions can be written out in equation form with information about the nuclei that are present before the fusion reaction occurs and that are produced by the reaction. the nuclei in one to two sentences, explain how you would identify the reaction as fusion, and give two different criteria.

Answer 1

To identify a nuclear reaction as fusion, look for the combining of lighter nuclei to form a heavier nucleus and the release of energy. Check the reaction equation for lighter nuclei as reactants combining into a heavier product nucleus with an energy release, commonly found in equations depicting fusion processes.

Step-by-step explanation:

To identify a nuclear reaction as fusion, you look for the combination of two light nuclei forming a heavier nucleus, along with the release of energy. Here is a step by step explanation:

1. Examine the equation for the reaction and identify the reactants and the products.
2. Confirm that the reaction involves light nuclei combining to form a heavier nucleus, which is indicative of fusion.
3. Look for an indication that energy is released, which is a characteristic of exothermic reactions such as fusion.

For instance, if hydrogen nuclei (light nuclei) combine to form helium (a heavier nucleus), and there's a release of energy, this would be an example of nuclear fusion. An equation representative of fusion would typically show nuclei with lower atomic numbers combining and may be accompanied by the release of photons or other particles indicating energy release.