Question

A nuclear reaction is represented by the equation :
$\underset{1}{2}H+\underset{1}{2}H⟶\underset{2}{3}He+xc+E$
(a) Name the process represented by this equation and describe what happens during this reaction.
(b) Identify the particle c and the number x of such particles produced in the reaction.
(c) What does E represent ?
(d) State two conditions under which such a reaction takes place.
(e) What type of nuclear bomb is based on similar reactions ?

Answer 1

a) Nuclear fusion; two smaller nuclei combine to form a bigger nucleus with the release of energy, brought about under the conditions of high temperature and pressure.
(b) Particle c is neutron; x=1
(c) Energy liberated
(d) Millions of degree of temperature and millions of pascals of pressure.
(e) Hydrogen bomb.