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The products of nuclear fusion are slightly less massive than the mass of the reactants because some of the mass of the reactants is converted into nuclear binding energy to hold the fusion product together.

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Why are the products of nuclear fusion slightly less massive than the reactants?

The products of nuclear fusion are slightly less massive than the reactants due to the conversion of mass into energy, as described by Einstein's equation (E=mc^2). During fusion, lighter atomic nuclei combine to form heavier nuclei, releasing energy in the process. This energy release accounts for the mass difference, as some mass is transformed into energy, which is emitted in the form of radiation or kinetic energy of the products. Thus, the total mass of the products is less than that of the initial reactants.


What is nuclear chemistry?

Nuclear chemistry is the branch of chemistry that studies the chemical and physical properties of elements as influenced by changes in the structure of atomic nuclei. It involves processes such as radioactive decay, nuclear reactions, and the use of radioactive isotopes in various applications such as medicine, industry, and research.


What is the most massive element that can be formed by nuclear fusion with the liberation of energy?

Iron is the most massive element that can be formed by nuclear fusion with the liberation of energy. This is because fusion reactions beyond iron require an input of energy rather than liberating energy.


What is the similarity between nuclear and chemical reaction?

Both nuclear and chemical reactions involve a change in the arrangement of atoms in a substance, resulting in the formation of new products. Additionally, both types of reactions involve the release or absorption of energy in the form of heat or light.


What products do you gain by nuclear fission?

The products of nuclear fission are typically two or more smaller nuclei, along with the release of energy in the form of gamma radiation and kinetic energy of the fission fragments. Fission of a heavy nucleus can also produce neutrons, which can go on to induce further fission reactions in a chain reaction.

Related Questions

What is the word for unwanted radioactive products formed during nuclear reactions?

Fission products


What type of reaction causes stars to combine hydrogen and release massive amounts of radiation?

This involves "nuclear fusion" reactions.


What is the massive ball of plasma that shines?

The Sun is a massive ball of plasma that shines due to nuclear fusion reactions occurring in its core, releasing energy in the form of light and heat.


What is the difference between the nuclear reactions in a nuclear reactor and those in an atomic bomb?

Nuclear reactions in a nuclear reactor are controlled reactions. The reactions in the atomic bomb are not controlled reactions


What are unwanted radioactive products formed during nuclear reactions called?

Unwanted radioactive products formed during nuclear reactions are called nuclear waste or radioactive waste. These byproducts are often harmful to the environment and can remain radioactive for long periods of time, presenting challenges for disposal and management.


What is nuclear chemistry?

Nuclear chemistry is the branch of chemistry that studies the chemical and physical properties of elements as influenced by changes in the structure of atomic nuclei. It involves processes such as radioactive decay, nuclear reactions, and the use of radioactive isotopes in various applications such as medicine, industry, and research.


What is the most massive element that can be formed by nuclear fusion with the liberation of energy?

Iron is the most massive element that can be formed by nuclear fusion with the liberation of energy. This is because fusion reactions beyond iron require an input of energy rather than liberating energy.


What household products contain rutherfordium?

Rutherfordium is a synthetic element created in nuclear reactions, and it is not found in household products.


What is the similarity between nuclear and chemical reaction?

Both nuclear and chemical reactions involve a change in the arrangement of atoms in a substance, resulting in the formation of new products. Additionally, both types of reactions involve the release or absorption of energy in the form of heat or light.


What would happen if you nuked the sun?

Nuking the sun is not possible with current technology. However, theoretically, if it were possible, the sun is so massive that a nuclear explosion would have negligible impact on it. The sun's nuclear fusion reactions are much more powerful than any man-made nuclear explosion.


What are the type of nuclear reactions?

nuclear fission and nuclear fusion


What is the Study of gaseous elements and nuclear reactions occurring as stars emit light?

nuclear reactions