Chapter 21, Problem 21.1VP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation & Concept Introduction:

The nuclear processes that are represented by Figures P21.1 (a) and (b)?

Answer to Problem 21.1VP

Solution:

a) Figure 21.1 (a) represents synthesis of super massive nuclide.

b) Figure 21.1 (b) represents fission.

Explanation of Solution

The protons are represented by light grey spheres and neutrons by dark grey spheres.

a) In figure 21.1 (a), two nuclides collide and fuse to form a bigger nuclide along with the emission of three neutrons.

Considering the large number of nucleons in the synthesized nuclide, we can say that the figure represents a synthesis of a super massive nuclei.

b) In figure 21.1 (b), a nucleus captures a neutron and produces two smaller nuclides of approximately the same size along with the emission of two neutrons.

Since a larger nuclide produces two smaller ones  of equal masses, we can say that it is a nuclear fission reaction.

Conclusion

Formation of nuclide with higher mass is the synthesis of super massive nuclide, and breaking up of a larger nuclide into two smaller nuclides is fission.