Chapter 11, Problem 11.81EP

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The particle X has to be identified if fusion of two helium-3 nuclei gives X and two protons.

Concept Introduction:

If the reaction occurs in the nucleus of an atom then it is known as nuclear reaction.  These reactions are not considered as ordinary chemical reactions because the electrons do not take part in reaction while the particle inside the nucleus does.  Isotope and nuclide are almost similar terms.  Isotopes refer to the same element that has different mass number while nuclide refers to atoms of same or different elements with specific atomic number and mass number.

This nuclear reaction can be represented by nuclear equation.  This is not a normal chemical equation.  Nuclear equation considers the mass number and atomic number of the reactants and products.  Unstable nucleus tends to emit radiation spontaneously.  During this process the nuclide is transformed into nuclide of another element.  Parent nuclide is the one which undergoes the radioactive decay.  Daughter nuclide is the one that is formed from parent nuclide after radioactive decay.

Nuclear fission reaction is the one in which a large nucleus gets split up into two medium-sized nuclei with more free neutrons and a huge amount of energy.  The word “fission” itself mean that it is splitting.

Nuclear fusion reactions are the one in which a large nucleus is formed from two small nucleus with release of huge amount of energy.  For a nuclear fusion reaction to occur a very high temperature is required.

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The particle X has to be identified if particle X fuses with lithium-7 to give two alpha particles and a neutron.

Concept Introduction:

If the reaction occurs in the nucleus of an atom then it is known as nuclear reaction.  These reactions are not considered as ordinary chemical reactions because the electrons do not take part in reaction while the particle inside the nucleus does.  Isotope and nuclide are almost similar terms.  Isotopes refer to the same element that has different mass number while nuclide refers to atoms of same or different elements with specific atomic number and mass number.

This nuclear reaction can be represented by nuclear equation.  This is not a normal chemical equation.  Nuclear equation considers the mass number and atomic number of the reactants and products.  Unstable nucleus tends to emit radiation spontaneously.  During this process the nuclide is transformed into nuclide of another element.  Parent nuclide is the one which undergoes the radioactive decay.  Daughter nuclide is the one that is formed from parent nuclide after radioactive decay.

Nuclear fission reaction is the one in which a large nucleus gets split up into two medium-sized nuclei with more free neutrons and a huge amount of energy.  The word “fission” itself mean that it is splitting.

Nuclear fusion reactions are the one in which a large nucleus is formed from two small nucleus with release of huge amount of energy.  For a nuclear fusion reaction to occur a very high temperature is required.