Which equation demonstrates that nuclear fusion forms elements that are heavier than helium?
${ }_1^2 H +{ }_1^3 H \longrightarrow{ }_2^4 He +{ }_0^1 n$
${ }_8^{16} O +{ }_2^4 He \longrightarrow{ }_{10}^{20} Ne$
${ }_{82}^{235} U+{ }_0^1 n \longrightarrow{ }_{53}^{131} \mid+{ }_{39}^{89} Y+16_0^1 n$
${ }_{92}^{235} U +{ }_0^1 n \longrightarrow{ }_{42}^{95} Mo +{ }_{57}^{139} La +2{ }_0^1 n +7{ }_{-1}^0 e$
Answer (1)
The problem asks for the equation that demonstrates nuclear fusion forming elements heavier than helium.
Examine each equation to identify fusion reactions.
Check if the product is heavier than helium (atomic number > 2).
The equation 8 16 O + 2 4 He ⟶ 10 20 N e shows oxygen and helium fusing to form neon, which is heavier than helium. Thus, the answer is the second equation. 8 16 O + 2 4 He ⟶ 10 20 N e
Explanation
Understanding the Problem We need to identify the nuclear fusion reaction that results in an element heavier than helium. Helium has an atomic number of 2. Nuclear fusion is the process where two or more atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus.
Analyzing the Equations Let's examine each equation:
1 2 H + 1 3 H ⟶ 2 4 He + 0 1 n : This equation shows two hydrogen isotopes fusing to form helium. Since we are looking for elements heavier than helium, this option is not correct.
8 16 O + 2 4 He ⟶ 10 20 N e : This equation shows oxygen and helium fusing to form neon. Neon has an atomic number of 10, which is greater than 2 (helium). This is a fusion reaction that produces an element heavier than helium.
82 235 U + 0 1 n ⟶ 53 131 ∣ + 39 89 Y + 1 6 0 1 n : This equation shows uranium reacting with a neutron to produce iodine and yttrium. This is a fission reaction, not fusion.
92 235 U + 0 1 n ⟶ 42 95 M o + 57 139 L a + 2 0 1 n + 7 − 1 0 e : This equation shows uranium reacting with a neutron to produce molybdenum and lanthanum. This is also a fission reaction, not fusion.
Identifying the Correct Equation The second equation, 8 16 O + 2 4 He ⟶ 10 20 N e , demonstrates nuclear fusion forming neon, which is heavier than helium.
Examples
Nuclear fusion is a process that powers the sun and other stars. In these celestial bodies, lighter elements like hydrogen fuse to form heavier elements like helium, releasing tremendous amounts of energy. This process not only sustains the star's energy output but also creates heavier elements that are eventually dispersed into the universe, forming the building blocks for planets and even life itself. The equation 8 16 O + 2 4 He ⟶ 10 20 N e illustrates a similar fusion process, where oxygen and helium combine to form neon, demonstrating how heavier elements can be synthesized from lighter ones through nuclear reactions.
