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 = m .

Question

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 = m  .

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Physicists use the equation E = mc² to calculate the energy released in a nuclear reaction. The change in mass (Δm) is calculated by subtracting the sum of the masses of the reactants from the sum of the masses of the products, using data in a table of nuclear masses. Then, this change in mass (Δm) is multiplied by the speed of light squared (c²) to obtain the energy released (E). Therefore, the best choice is B, which involves multiplying the change in mass by the speed of light squared.

To Predict the Approximate Energy Release of Either a Fission