Among these reactions, which one represents a fusion reaction?

Question

A. hydrochloric acid combining with sodium hydroxide to form a salt and water
B. curium-246 combining with carbon-12 to form nobelium-254 and four neutrons
C. uranium-235 absorbing a neutron and splitting into xenon-140, strontium-94, and two neutrons
D. carbon-14 decaying into nitrogen-14 and a beta particle

Answer 1

The reaction that represents a fusion reaction is:

B. curium-246 combining with carbon-12 to form nobelium-254 and four neutrons.

In fusion reactions, two or more atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, which is what is happening in option B. The other options represent different types of reactions:

• A is a neutralization reaction (acid-base reaction).
• C is a fission reaction (splitting of a heavy nucleus).
• D is a beta decay (a type of radioactive decay).

Thus, option B is the correct answer.