The phrase which best describes nuclear fusion is: A. the process by which small nuclei combine into a larger nucleus.
A nuclear reaction can be defined as a type of chemical reaction in which the nucleus of an atom of a radioactivechemical element is transformed by either being joined (fusion) or split (fission) with the nucleus of another atom of a radioactivechemical element and accompanied by a release of energy.
Generally, there are two (2) main types of nuclear reaction and these include:
<u>Nuclear fission:</u> it involves the collision of a heavy atomic nucleus with a neutron, thereby causing a split and release of energy.
<u>Nuclear fusion:</u> it involves the joining of two smaller nuclei of atoms to form a single massive or heavier (larger) nucleus with the release of energy.
In conclusion, nuclear fusion is best described as the process by which small nuclei combine into a larger nucleus, accompanied by a release of energy.
If a uranium atom undergoes both alpha and gamma decay, then it means that there will be formation of one helium particle which is also known as alpha particle and gamma decay is the radiation or release of energy. Whereas in a radioactive reaction, Uranium-235 absorbs a neutron and splits into two new atoms.
