Animated Solution for Physics - Atoms and Nuclei: From the following equations pick out the possible nuclear fusion reactions

Imagine the core of a star, where immense pressure and temperature force tiny atomic nuclei to overcome their natural repulsion and merge. This beautiful process is called nuclear fusion. When two lighter nuclei combine to form a heavier, more stable nucleus, a tremendous amount of energy is released.

But in the universe of physics, there are strict rules. For any nuclear reaction to be physically possible, it must obey the laws of conservation. Specifically, the total mass number ($A$) and the total atomic number ($Z$) must be exactly the same on both sides of the reaction equation.

Let's put our given reactions to the test!

Option (a): If we look at the left side, the total atomic number is $6+1=7$. However, on the right side, the atomic number is $6$. Wait a minute! A proton was absorbed, but the atomic number didn't increase? This violates the conservation of charge. Hence, this reaction is impossible.

Option (b): Here, the mass number on the left is $12+1=13$, and on the right, it is $13$. The atomic number on the left is $6+1=7$, and on the right, it is $7$. Both are perfectly conserved! Furthermore, two lighter nuclei are fusing to form a heavier one. This is a classic fusion reaction.

Option (c): Let's check the numbers again. Mass number: $14+1=15$. Atomic number: $7+1=8$. Everything balances out perfectly. This is another valid fusion reaction.

Option (d): Notice the starting material: Uranium-235, a very heavy nucleus. It absorbs a neutron and splits into two lighter fragments (Xenon and Strontium). This is the exact opposite of fusion; it is a nuclear fission reaction.

By carefully applying the conservation laws and the definition of fusion, we can confidently conclude that options (b) and (c) are the correct possible nuclear fusion reactions.