Question

Which labels belong in the regions marked X, Y, and Z?

X: Smaller nuclei form
Y: Thermal energy is produced
Z: A larger nucleus forms
X: Large amounts of energy are released
Y: One or more neutrons is released
Z: Smaller nuclei form
X: One or more neutrons is released
Y: A larger nucleus forms
Z: Large amounts of energy are released
X: A larger nucleus forms
Y: Large amounts of energy are released
Z: Smaller nuclei form

Answer 1

X: A larger nucleus forms
Y: Large amounts of energy are released
Z: Smaller nuclei form

Reason: X describes fusion (small nuclei combine into a larger one), Z describes fission (a large nucleus splits into smaller nuclei), and Y is a feature common to both (both processes release large amounts of energy).