Use the periodic table to complete each nuclear fusion equation.
${ }_1^2 H +{ }_1^3 H \rightarrow{ }_2^4 He + {?}^{?} E$
${ }_7^{14} N+{ }_1^1 H \rightarrow{ }_{?}^{?} E$
Answer (2)
Balance the atomic numbers in the first equation: 1 + 1 = 2 , so A = 2.
Balance the mass numbers in the first equation: 2 + 3 = 5 , so B = 5.
Balance the atomic numbers in the second equation: 7 + 1 = 8 , so C = 8, and the element E is Oxygen (O).
Balance the mass numbers in the second equation: 14 + 1 = 15 , so D = 15. The final answers are A = 2, B = 5, C = 8, D = 15, and E = O.
Explanation
Understanding the Problem We are given two nuclear fusion equations with missing numbers, and we need to complete them using the periodic table and the principles of conservation of atomic number and mass number.
Completing the First Equation For the first equation, 1 2 H + 1 3 H → A B He , we need to find the values of A and B. The atomic number of Helium (He) is 2, so the equation should be 1 2 H + 1 3 H → 2 B He . To find A, we balance the atomic numbers: 1 + 1 = 2 . Thus, A = 2. To find B, we balance the mass numbers: 2 + 3 = B . So, B = 5 . Therefore, the complete first equation is 1 2 H + 1 3 H → 2 5 He .
Completing the Second Equation For the second equation, 7 14 N + 1 1 H → C D E , we need to find the values of C and D, and identify the element E. To find C, we balance the atomic numbers: 7 + 1 = C . So, C = 8 . The element with atomic number 8 is Oxygen (O). To find D, we balance the mass numbers: 14 + 1 = D . So, D = 15 . Therefore, the complete second equation is 7 14 N + 1 1 H → 8 15 O .
Final Answer The completed equations are: 1 2 H + 1 3 H → 2 5 He 7 14 N + 1 1 H → 8 15 O Thus, A = 2, B = 5, C = 8, D = 15, and E is Oxygen (O).
Examples
Nuclear fusion is a process that powers stars, including our Sun. Understanding nuclear fusion equations helps scientists to study stellar processes, develop new energy sources, and create new elements. For example, the fusion of hydrogen isotopes into helium releases tremendous energy, which can be harnessed in controlled fusion reactors to generate electricity. Also, the creation of heavier elements from lighter ones in stars explains the abundance of elements in the universe.
The complete first equation is 1 2 H + 1 3 H → 2 4 He + 0 1 n , and the complete second equation is 7 14 N + 1 1 H → 8 15 O . A neutron (n) is produced in the first equation, and oxygen (O) is produced in the second equation.
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