Question

the chemical equation below represents a nuclear reaction.\\(\ce{_{92}^{235}u + _{0}^{1}n \
ightarrow _{56}^{138}ba + _{36}^{95}kr + 3_{0}^{1}n + energy}\\)\
what type of reaction is shown?\
\
a. fusion, because the reaction formed heavier nuclei\
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b. fission, because the reaction formed heavier nuclei\
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c. fusion, because the reaction formed lighter nuclei\
\
d. fission, because the reaction formed lighter nuclei

Explanation:

1. Recall nuclear reaction types: Fission is the splitting of a heavy nucleus into lighter nuclei, releasing neutrons and energy. Fusion is combining light nuclei into heavier ones.
2. Analyze the equation: \(_{92}^{235}\text{U}\) (heavy nucleus) splits into \(_{56}^{138}\text{Ba}\), \(_{36}^{95}\text{Kr}\), and neutrons. The products (Ba, Kr) are lighter than U.
3. Evaluate options:

• A: Fusion forms heavier nuclei, but this reaction splits U (incorrect).
• B: Fission does not form heavier nuclei (incorrect reasoning).
• C: Fusion is not splitting (incorrect process).
• D: Fission splits heavy U into lighter Ba, Kr, matching fission's definition (correct).

Answer:

D. fission, because the reaction formed lighter nuclei