To determine whether the nuclear reaction depicted in the illustration is fission or fusion, we need to consider the characteristics of each type of reaction.
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Fission is a reaction where a heavy nucleus splits into two or more lighter nuclei, often releasing a significant amount of energy in the process. This typically involves the absorption of a neutron by a heavy nucleus, which then becomes unstable and splits.
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Fusion is a reaction where two light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. Fusion reactions release a considerable amount of energy (often more than fission) and are the processes that power stars, including our sun.
Based on the options provided:
- If the reaction resulted in the formation of lighter nuclei, it would be fission.
- If the reaction resulted in the formation of heavier nuclei, it would be fusion.
- If energy was released, it could indicate either reaction depending on the context, but it's commonly associated with fusion.
- If energy was absorbed, that usually aligns with fission.
Without the specific details from the illustration, the following statements can be inferred:
- "It's fission because the reaction led to the formation of lighter nuclei."
- "It's fusion because the reaction resulted in the formation of heavier nuclei."
- If the reaction released energy, then "It's fusion because the reaction released energy."
Please evaluate the illustration to determine which of these statements accurately reflects what is being depicted in the nuclear reaction.
3 answers