To predict the approximate energy release of either a fission or a fusion reaction, explain how a physicist uses a table of nuclear masses and the equation E = mc². A)find the change in mass and divide by the speed of light squared B)find the change in mass and multiply by the speed of light squared C)find the change in mass, square it, and multiply by the speed of light D)take the square root of the change in mass and multiply by the speed of light

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct approach to predict the energy release in nuclear reactions (either fission or fusion) involves finding the change in mass (mass of reactants minus mass of products) and then multiplying this mass difference by the speed of light squared, as per the equation $E = mc^2$. This equation, formulated by Albert Einstein, relates energy (E) to mass (m) with $c$ being the speed of light in vacuum, squared. This process converts the mass difference into energy, giving the energy released in the reaction.

To Predict the Approximate Energy Release of Either a Fission