Physics

Physics

Problem

For each of the following balanced nuclear reactions, state whether it represents fission or fusion and give one reason for your choice: (a) 92235U+01n→56141Ba+3692Kr+3 01n^{235}_{92}\text{U}+{}^{1}_{0}\text{n}\rightarrow{}^{141}_{56}\text{Ba}+{}^{92}_{36}\text{Kr}+3\,{}^{1}_{0}\text{n} (b) 12H+13H→24He+01n^{2}_{1}\text{H}+{}^{3}_{1}\text{H}\rightarrow{}^{4}_{2}\text{He}+{}^{1}_{0}\text{n}
Intuitive explanation

Nuclear reactions split into two opposite processes: fission breaks a heavy nucleus into lighter fragments, while fusion combines light nuclei into a heavier one. The key is to compare the mass numbers of reactants and products—if they're splitting apart, it's fission; if they're joining together, it's fusion. Look at whether you start with one large nucleus or multiple small ones, and what you end up with.

Intuitive explanation

Nuclear reactions split into two opposite processes: fission breaks a heavy nucleus into lighter fragments, while fusion combines light nuclei into a heavier one. The key is to compare the mass numbers of reactants and products—if they're splitting apart, it's fission; if they're joining together, it's fusion. Look at whether you start with one large nucleus or multiple small ones, and what you end up with.

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