Question

question 11 of 28 which description of energy changes in nuclear reactions is correct? a. fission and fusion have similar consequences in terms of both nuclear stability and mass - energy conversion. b. fission and fusion have opposite consequences in terms of mass - energy conversion, but similar consequences in terms of nuclear stability. c. fission and fusion have opposite consequences in terms of both nuclear stability and mass - energy conversion. d. fission and fusion have similar consequences in terms of mass - energy conversion, but opposite consequences in terms of nuclear stability.

Explanation:

In both fission and fusion, mass is converted into energy according to Einstein's $E = mc^{2}$, so they have similar mass - energy conversion aspects. Fission involves splitting a large nucleus into smaller ones, and fusion involves combining small nuclei into a larger one. Both processes lead to more stable nuclei. For example, in fission, a heavy - unstable nucleus becomes more stable by breaking into smaller nuclei, and in fusion, light nuclei combine to form a more stable nucleus.

Answer:

A. Fission and fusion have similar consequences in terms of both nuclear stability and mass - energy conversion.