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Figure 8 shows a helium nucleus - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 5 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 5
Figure 8 shows a helium nucleus. (a) Two of the particles in the helium nucleus are neutrons. State the name of the other two particles in the helium nucleus. (b) ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Figure 8 shows a helium nucleus - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 5 - 2018 - Paper 1
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Describe the difference between a fusion reaction and a fission reaction.
Answer
A fusion reaction involves the merging of two light atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a significant amount of energy in the process. This occurs under conditions of extremely high temperature and pressure, as in the core of stars.
In contrast, a fission reaction involves the splitting of a heavy atomic nucleus into two lighter nuclei, along with the release of energy, neutrons, and radiation. Fission typically occurs in heavy elements like uranium or plutonium and can be initiated by bombarding the nucleus with neutrons.
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