Question

Which table correctly matches the numbered equations below with the correct nuclear process?
1) ${}_1^{1}H{+}_1^{2}H{\to }_2^{3}He+\gamma$
2) ${}_{95}^{241}Am{\to }_{93}^{237}Np{+}_2^{4}He$
3) ${}_{92}^{235}U{+}_0^{1}n{\to }_{56}^{139}Ba{+}_{36}^{94}Kr+3_0^{1}n$
4) ${}_{53}^{138}I{\to }_{54}^{138}Xe{+}_{-1}^{0}e+\overline{v}$

• A.

  1	alpha decay
  2	nuclear fission
  3	beta decay
  4	nuclear fusion

• B.

  1	nuclear fission
  2	alpha decay
  3	nuclear fusion
  4	beta decay

• C.

  1	nuclear fusion
  2	alpha decay
  3	nuclear fission
  4	beta decay

• D.

  1	Nuclear fusion
  2	beta decay
  3	nuclear fission
  4	alpha decay

• E.

  1	beta decay
  2	alpha decay
  3	nuclear fusion
  4	nuclear fission

Answer 1

The correct option is C

1	nuclear fusion
2	alpha decay
3	nuclear fission
4	beta decay

Process 1 : Nuclear fusion because two smaller nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus.

Process 2 : Alpha decay because an alpha particle ${(}_2^{4}He)$ is emitted during the reaction.

Process 3 : Nuclear fission because a heavier nucleus splits into two lighter nuclei.

Process 4 : Beta decay because a beta particle ${(}_{-1}^{0}e)$ is emitted during the reaction.