Answer: Fusion.
- A Fission
- B Fusion
- C Alpha decay
- D Beta decay
Correct answer: B. Fusion
Explanation: Deuterium-deuterium fusion: two light nuclei combine to form heavier nucleus. Releases energy. Basis of hydrogen bomb and future fusion reactors.
Binding energy per nucleon rises sharply for light nuclei, peaks around iron-56 (the most stable nucleus), then slowly declines for heavier nuclei - which is exactly why fusing light nuclei or splitting heavy nuclei both release energy: each moves the products toward this stability peak.
Concept context
Radioactivity, nuclear reactions, fission, fusion, and binding energy.