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Lesson: Nuclear Fission and Fusion

In this lesson, we will learn how to differentiate between nuclear fusion and fission reactions and write balanced nuclear equations for both processes.

Worksheet • 6 Questions

Q1:

A nuclear reaction is described by the equation:

Identify the particle X .

  • A 1 4 1 5 6 B a
  • B 1 4 1 5 4 X e
  • C 1 4 3 5 5 C s
  • D 1 4 3 5 6 B a
  • E 1 4 0 5 4 X e

Q2:

Why is a high temperature required for nuclear fusion?

  • AFusing nuclei must have enough kinetic energy to overcome the repulsion between their positive charges.
  • BFusing nuclei must have enough kinetic energy to enter excited states before the collision.
  • CThe kinetic energy of fusing nuclei must be greater than the increase in binding energy.
  • DFusing nuclei must have enough kinetic energy to drive the conversion of protons to neutrons.
  • EFusing nuclei must have enough kinetic energy to overcome the strong nuclear force between nucleons.

Q3:

In a nuclear reaction, an atom of 2 1 H collides with an atom of 6 3 L i . Which of the following are not potential products of this reaction?

  • A 3 2 2 1 1 1 H e + 2 H + H
  • B 7 4 1 0 B e + n
  • C 3 2 4 2 1 0 H e + 4 H e + n
  • D 7 3 1 1 L i + H
  • E 2 H e 4 2

Q4:

Which of the following statements is true?

  • ANeutrons can be released in both nuclear fusion and nuclear fission processes.
  • BThe principal nuclear reaction in the sun involves 𝛽 βˆ’ emission.
  • CBinding energy per nucleon decreases in nuclear fusion.
  • DNeutron bombardment is needed for nuclear fission to occur.
  • ENuclear fission is endothermic.

Q5:

Nuclear fission is usually followed by a series of 𝛽 decays. How do these decays stabilize the smaller nuclei?

  • AThe neutron/proton ratio decreases.
  • BThe nuclear charge increases.
  • CThe proton/neutron ratio decreases.
  • DThe atomic mass decreases.
  • EThe atomic mass increases.

Q6:

Which of the following could be increased to increase the critical mass of a fissile material?

  • ATemperature
  • BSample volume/area ratio
  • CSample purity
  • DSample density
  • ENeutron yield
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