How can you tell from looking at a nuclear reaction that fusion has taken place?(1 point)
Responses
The total number of protons and neutrons will remain constant.
The total number of protons and neutrons will remain constant.
The total number of protons and neutrons will increase.
The total number of protons and neutrons will increase.
The nucleus with the largest mass number will be on the right side of the equation.
The nucleus with the largest mass number will be on the right side of the equation.
The nucleus with the largest mass will be on the left side of the equation.
The nucleus with the largest mass will be on the left side of the equation.
The nucleus with the largest mass number will be on the right side of the equation.
The correct answer is: The total number of protons and neutrons will remain constant.
In a fusion reaction, two atomic nuclei combine to form a single nucleus. This results in the combining of the protons and neutrons from the original nuclei to form a new nucleus. However, the total number of protons and neutrons will remain the same before and after the reaction.
To determine this, you can examine the atomic numbers (proton number) and mass numbers (protons + neutrons) of the reactants and products. If they are the same, it indicates that fusion has occurred because the total number of protons and neutrons remain constant.
So, by comparing the mass numbers and atomic numbers on both sides of the reaction equation, you can determine whether fusion has taken place.