Question

Carla sees an equation that models a nuclear change.

Superscript 2 Subscript 1 Baseline H + Superscript 3 Subscript 1 Baseline H yields Superscript 4 Subscript 2 Baseline H e + Superscript 1 Subscript 0 Baseline n

Which nuclear process does the equation illustrate?

nuclear fission, because the equation shows two hydrogen nuclei combining to form a helium nucleus
nuclear fission, because the equation shows a hydrogen nucleus breaking apart and releasing a neutron
nuclear fusion, because the equation shows two hydrogen nuclei combining to form a helium nucleus
nuclear fusion, because the equation shows a hydrogen nucleus breaking apart and releasing a neutron

Answer 1

Answer: Option (C)

Explanation: correct as of 2023 (edge)

Answer 2

C. nuclear fusion, because the equation shows two hydrogen nuclei combining to form a helium nucleus

Step-by-step explanation:

Nuclear reaction can either be; fission or fusion. Nuclear fission is the process by which a massive nucleus breaks in to two smaller nuclei of almost the same size with the release of high amount of energy. Nuclear fusion is the process by which two nuclei reacts, joins, to produce a massive nucleus (compared to the masses of the reacting elements) with the release of high amount of energy.

From the given equation, two hydrogen isotopes; deuterium and tritium reacts with each other to produce helium nucleus and a neutron.

This reaction is a nuclear fusion which produces a massive nuclei.