Chapter 30.2, Problem 33SSC

To determine

To Explain:The reason behind why helium in a balloon does not undergo fusion.

Answer to Problem 33SSC

As the movement of the nuclei in the molecule of helium is very quick in the balloon, the process of fusion does not take place.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The division of a heavier nucleus into lighter ones is the process called nuclear fission.

The process of nuclear fusion is totally opposite to that of the process of nuclear fission.

The process of integration of two lighter nuclei for the formation of a heavier and more stable nucleus is called nuclear fusion.

For the process of fusion to take place, the two light nuclei must combine for the formation of a stable nucleus.

In the balloon, due to the sudden and immediate movement of the nuclei in the molecule of helium, a heavier and stable nucleus is not formed and hence the process of fusion does not take place.

In the molecule, the nuclei are moving very quickly because of which the process of fusion cannot take place.

Conclusion:

Hence, in the balloon the nuclei move very fast and the process of fusion doesn’t take place.