Question

Nuclear reactions can be represented as diagrams and as equations. Study the equation above and choose the answer that BEST explains what is happening. (1 point) Responses This is a fission reaction because a neutron is released on the products side This is a fission reaction because a neutron is released on the products side This is a fusion reaction because there are two smaller molecules in the reactants (left) and one larger molecule in the product (right) This is a fusion reaction because there are two smaller molecules in the reactants (left) and one larger molecule in the product (right) This is a fission reaction because the atomic mass on the right equals the atomic mass on the left. This is a fission reaction because the atomic mass on the right equals the atomic mass on the left. This is a fusion reaction because the total number of protons on the right side is larger than the total from the right. This is a fusion reaction because the total number of protons on the right side is larger than the total from the right. Question 2 This is an equation representing a nuclear process. If n = neutron, which of the following BEST explains what is happening in this equation. (1 point) Responses This is nuclear fusion because the neutron (n) is combining with the B. This is nuclear fusion because the neutron (n) is combining with the B. This is nuclear fusion because the atomic mass on the reactant side of the equation is different than the total atomic mass on the product side This is nuclear fusion because the atomic mass on the reactant side of the equation is different than the total atomic mass on the product side This is nuclear fission because the total atomic mass on the reactant side does not equal the total on the product side This is nuclear fission because the total atomic mass on the reactant side does not equal the total on the product side This is nuclear fission because the neutron splits the larger boron (B) into two smaller elements (Li and He) This is nuclear fission because the neutron splits the larger boron (B) into two smaller elements (Li and He) Skip to navigation

Answer 1

Based on the descriptions provided, here are the correct explanations for the types of nuclear reactions described:

Question 1: If the equation is indicative of a fission reaction, we would expect that a large nucleus splits into smaller nuclei, typically with the release of energy, and possibly some neutrons.

• Best choice: "This is a fission reaction because a neutron is released on the products side." This indicates that the process involves a larger nucleus splitting apart, which is characteristic of fission.

Question 2: Nuclear fusion involves combining two lighter nuclei to form a heavier nucleus. Conversely, nuclear fission involves the splitting of a heavy nucleus into smaller ones.

• Best choice: "This is nuclear fission because the neutron splits the larger boron (B) into two smaller elements (Li and He)." This statement clearly describes the process of fission, where a heavy nucleus (in this case, boron) undergoes a reaction that produces lighter elements.

In summary:

1. For Question 1, the response about fission with a neutron released is most accurate.
2. For Question 2, the response explaining the splitting of boron into smaller elements through fission is the best explanation.