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Consider the following nuclear reaction that takes place in stars - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 2 - 2007 - Paper 1
Question 2
Consider the following nuclear reaction that takes place in stars. $$^8Be + ^4He \rightarrow ^{12}C$$ Which of the following statements about this change is/are co... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Consider the following nuclear reaction that takes place in stars - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 2 - 2007 - Paper 1
Step 1
I The reaction is endothermic.
Answer
To determine if the reaction is endothermic, we need to consider the energy dynamics of nuclear reactions. In nuclear fusion, lighter nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. This process typically releases energy due to the binding energy being greater in the product nucleus compared to that of the separated reactants. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.
Step 2
II The mass of the $^{12}C$ nucleus is greater than the combined masses of the reactants.
Answer
In nuclear reactions, particularly fusion, the mass of the product nucleus is often less than the total mass of the reactants. This is due to the mass-energy equivalence principle described by Einstein's equation, . The mass defect is converted into energy, which is released. Hence, this statement is also incorrect.
Step 3