Which process involves joining atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus?

Which process involves joining atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus?

• A. Fission
• B. Neutralization
• C. Fusion
• D. Salt

Answer: (C)

Joining atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus is fusion. This happens when light nuclei collide at extremely high temperatures and pressures, enough to overcome their electric repulsion; the strong nuclear force then binds them together into a heavier nucleus, and energy is released because the resulting nucleus has a higher binding energy per nucleon. Fusion powers stars and is the focus of research into potential controlled energy sources. In contrast, fission splits a heavy nucleus into lighter nuclei, which is not joining but dividing. Neutralization is an acid–base reaction in chemistry, and salt is simply a compound formed from an acid and a base; neither involves combining nuclei.

Joining atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus is fusion. This happens when light nuclei collide at extremely high temperatures and pressures, enough to overcome their electric repulsion; the strong nuclear force then binds them together into a heavier nucleus, and energy is released because the resulting nucleus has a higher binding energy per nucleon. Fusion powers stars and is the focus of research into potential controlled energy sources. In contrast, fission splits a heavy nucleus into lighter nuclei, which is not joining but dividing. Neutralization is an acid–base reaction in chemistry, and salt is simply a compound formed from an acid and a base; neither involves combining nuclei.