All Questions must include correct capitalization or punctuation.

Question

• All set up and steps of work must be shown
• All of the Answer MUST INCLUDE correct sig figs and correct units, please use Sig Figs if I don’t I won’t get my points. Please
• All MOLAR MASSES MUST be calculated with NO rounding from the periodic table.
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Question 1- Explain the different processes that occur during fusion and fission reactions.

Question 2- Name two isotopes involved in fusion reactions.

Question 3 & 4A and 4B are combined.
234. 234
235. X → 91 y+Z

Question 3: Identify X, Y and Z. Must use simple math to show work and explain how many protons, neutrons, and electrons each of the products and reactants have to demonstrate that both sides of the reaction meet the requirement of conservation of mass. (class notes have example problems)
Question 4A: Explain what type of nuclear reaction has occurred and what particle is emitted.
Question 4B: Has transmutation occurred?

Answer 1

Question 1- Explain the different processes that occur during fusion and fission reactions.

In fusion reactions, two light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy in the process. This process occurs at extremely high temperatures and pressures, similar to those found in the core of stars. On the other hand, fission reactions involve the breaking apart of a heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei, also releasing energy. This process is typically initiated by bombarding the nucleus with a neutron.

Question 2- Name two isotopes involved in fusion reactions.

Two isotopes involved in fusion reactions are deuterium (2H) and tritium (3H).

Question 3 & 4A and 4B are combined.
234. 234
235. X → 91 y+Z

Question 3: Identify X, Y, and Z. Must use simple math to show work and explain how many protons, neutrons, and electrons each of the products and reactants have to demonstrate that both sides of the reaction meet the requirement of conservation of mass.

X = Uranium (U)
Y = Neptunium (Np)
Z = Neutron (n)

238 protons (91 on each side) and 146 neutrons (235+3 = 238, 90+146=236; 238 on each side). Electron count is not relevant in nuclear reactions.

Question 4A: Explain what type of nuclear reaction has occurred and what particle is emitted.

In this reaction, a uranium atom undergoes alpha decay, emitting a helium nucleus (proton number = 2, neutron number = 2).

Question 4B: Has transmutation occurred?

Yes, transmutation has occurred as the uranium nucleus has decayed into a neptunium nucleus by emitting an alpha particle.