Chapter 30, Problem 61A

To determine

To Explain:

Fission and fusion reaction areopposite reaction and the way they release energy.

Answer to Problem 61A

Only the fusion of light and heavy elements results in decrease in the mass of nucleons and thus the release of energy takes place.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion are two different processes. Nuclear fission is the process of dividing the nucleus into two nuclei with lighter weight along with the release of a large amount of energy.

In nuclear fusion,joining of two light nuclei leads to the formation of another heavy nuclei with the simultaneous release of energy.

In the process of nuclear fission, the dividing of two nuclei is occurred to form two nuclei with lighter weight, whereas in the process of nuclear fusion, joining of light nuclei occurs to form a heavy nucleus.

Both the fusion and fission reactions can release the energy but both the reactions have different applications.

 Conclusion:

Hence, only the fusion of light and heavy elements results in decrease in the mass of nucleon and thus release of energy.