Name the following type of reactions (Fusion/Fission)
a. Large nucleus → multiple smaller nuclei + neutrons
b. Multiple small nuclei → Large nucleus + energy
c. The number of nucleons stays the same, number of nuclei increases
d. The number of nucleons stays the same, total mass decreases slightly.
e. Neutral neutron strikes a large positive nucleus
a. Fission
b. Fusion
c. Fusion
d. Fission
e. Induced fission
a. Fission
b. Fusion
c. Fusion
d. Fusion
e. Fusion
a. This type of reaction is called fission. In fission, a large nucleus is split into multiple smaller nuclei along with the release of neutrons. This process typically occurs in heavy elements, such as uranium or plutonium.
b. This type of reaction is called fusion. In fusion, multiple small nuclei are combined to form a larger nucleus, and this process releases a significant amount of energy. Fusion reactions occur in stars where the immense heat and pressure enable the fusion of hydrogen atoms into helium.
c. This type of reaction is again fusion. In fusion, the number of nucleons (protons and neutrons) stays the same, but the number of nuclei increases. An example of this is the fusion of hydrogen isotopes (deuterium and tritium) to produce helium in nuclear fusion reactors.
d. This type of reaction is a result of mass-energy equivalence, described by Einstein's famous equation E = mc^2. When there is a decrease in total mass, there is a corresponding release of energy. This is often observed in nuclear reactions where the binding energy per nucleon in the product nuclei is higher than the reactant nuclei.
e. This type of reaction is called a nuclear reaction due to the interaction between a neutral neutron and a large positive nucleus. The collision of the neutron with the nucleus can cause various outcomes such as absorption, scattering, or even inducing nuclear fission or fusion, depending on the specific conditions and target nucleus.