What are the two types of nuclear reactions? Give an example of a balanced nuclear reaction for each type.

Answer 1

The two types of nuclear reactions are fusion and fission. Nuclear fusion is when lighter elements combine to form heavier elements, whereas nuclear fission is when heavier elements split apart to form lighter elements.

An example of a fusion reaction is one where two isotopes of hydrogen combines to form helium:

²₁H + ³₁H ---> ⁴₂He + ¹₀n

An example of nuclear fission is uranium splitting into lighter elements:

²³⁵₉₂U + ¹₀n ---> ¹³⁹₅₆Ba + ⁹⁴₃₆Kr + 3¹₀n