Question

1. name the following type of reactions as fusion or fission.

a. large nucleus → multiple smaller nuclei + neutrons (fission)
b. multiple small nuclei → large nucleus + energy (fusion)
c. the number of nucleons stays the same, number of nuclei increases
d. the number of nucleons stays the same, total mass decreases slightly
e. neutral neutron strikes a large positive nucleus

Explanation:

Fission is a process where a large nucleus splits into multiple smaller nuclei and neutrons. In nuclear reactions, the total number of nucleons (protons + neutrons) is conserved, and there is a small decrease in total mass which is converted to energy according to $E = mc^{2}$. Fusion is the combination of small nuclei to form a large nucleus. Option a describes fission, option b describes fusion, option c is incorrect as the number of nucleons is conserved in nuclear reactions, and option d is incorrect as total mass - energy is conserved but mass decreases slightly as it is converted to energy in fission. Option e is not a correct description of a typical nuclear - reaction scenario.

Answer:

a. Fission
b. Fusion
c. Neither
d. Neither
e. Neither