Nuclear reactions can be written out in equation form with information about the nuclei that take place in the fusion reaction and the nuclei that are produced. In one to two sentences, explain how you would identify the reaction as fusion, and give two different criteria. Explain in 2 sentences.

Answer 1

To identify a reaction as fusion, one can look for the combination of light nuclei (such as hydrogen or helium) to produce a heavier nucleus. Additionally, evidence of an increase in the total mass of the products compared to the reactants and the presence of high temperatures and pressures can be used as criteria to verify fusion.