Chapter 24.3, Problem 22SSC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The particles that are involved in nuclear fission and nuclear fusion needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Nuclear fission and fusion both reactions produces energy. Fission is the separation of a powerful, unstable nucleus into two smaller nuclei, and fusion is the phase in which two light nuclei merge to emit large quantities of energy together.

Answer to Problem 22SSC

The combining of atomic nuclei is called nuclear fusion. Nuclear fusion reactions, which are responsible for the creation of the heaviest elements, are capable of releasing very large quantities of energy.

Isotopes of uranium undergo fission.

Explanation of Solution

The splitting of a nucleus into fragments is known as nuclear fission. The fission of a nucleus is accompanied by a very large release of energy. Particles like neutrons, photons, alpha particles are released through this emission.

In nuclear fusion atomic nuclei are fused together to produce heavier nuclei. A greater quantity of energy released during the process.

Conclusion

Nuclear power plants use nuclear fission to generate power. The first nuclear fission reaction discovered involved uranium-235.

Fusion reaction products are not generally radioactive. Nuclear fusion produces large amounts of energy. Fusion reactions produce more energy per unit of mass of fuel than fission reactions.