Chapter 16, Problem 15TE

Solution

To determine: The reason for iron not yield energy if fused or fissioned.

Answer:

The iron does not yield energy if fused or if fissioned because iron has a stable number of protons and neutrons.

Explanation:

The fusion and fission both the processes occur in the case of unstable nuclei. The unstable nuclei mean that the nuclei do not have an equal number of protons and neutrons. The unstable nuclei show radioactive nature.

The nucleus of iron has a stable number of protons and neutrons. This condition is not suitable for fusion or fission. That’s why iron does not yield energy if fused or if fissioned.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the iron does not yield energy if fused or if fissioned because iron has a stable number of protons and neutrons.