Nuclear equations describe the nuclei that are involved before and after the reaction. In one to two sentences, explain how you would identify the reaction as fusion, and give two different criteria.

Answer 1

A nuclear reaction can be identified as fusion if it involves the combination of two light atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, typically releasing a significant amount of energy in the process. Two criteria for identifying fusion are: (1) the reactants are generally isotopes of light elements, like hydrogen or helium, and (2) the resulting product has a greater mass number than either of the original nuclei, indicating a loss of mass that is converted into energy according to Einstein's equation \(E=mc^2\).

Answer 2

simplify

Answer 3

A nuclear reaction is identified as fusion if it combines two light atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus and releases energy. Two key criteria are: (1) it involves light elements, like hydrogen or helium, and (2) the resulting nucleus has a greater mass than the original nuclei, indicating mass is converted into energy.