Chapter 2: Problem 9

Discuss nuclear reaction and its types in brief.

Short Answer

Expert verified

A nuclear reaction is a process where two atomic nuclei or nuclear particles collide, resulting in different products. The main types are nuclear fission, where a heavy nucleus is split into lighter ones (e.g., uranium-235), and nuclear fusion, where light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus (e.g., formation of helium in the Sun). Both reactions release large amounts of energy.

Step by step solution

Defining Nuclear Reaction

A nuclear reaction is a process in which two atomic nuclei or nuclear particles interact, resulting in products different from the initial ones. These changes usually involve transformations of nuclear particles and radiation emissions.

Discussing Types of Nuclear Reactions - Fission

The first main type of nuclear reaction is nuclear fission. In nuclear fission, a heavy nucleus is split into two or more lighter ones. This process is accompanied by the release of a large amount of energy. A common example is the fission of uranium-235.

Discussing Types of Nuclear Reactions - Fusion

Another common type of nuclear reaction is nuclear fusion. In nuclear fusion, two light nuclei combine to form a heavier one, releasing a significant amount of energy in the process. This process powers stars, such as the Sun, where hydrogen nuclei combine to form helium.

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Discuss nuclear reaction and its types in brief.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Defining Nuclear Reaction

Discussing Types of Nuclear Reactions - Fission

Discussing Types of Nuclear Reactions - Fusion

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