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

Nuclear fusion can be identified by the merging of two light atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, typically accompanied by the release of a significant amount of energy. Two criteria to identify fusion reactions include: (1) the presence of reactants that are isotopes of light elements, such as hydrogen or helium, and (2) the resulting nucleus having a mass number greater than that of either of the original nuclei, indicating the combination of the two.