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

To predict the approximate energy release of either a fission or a fusion reaction, one can use the equation E = Δmc², where E represents the energy release, Δm represents the change in mass, and c represents the speed of light. In order to use this equation, a physicist needs to consult a table of nuclear masses to determine the masses of the reactants and products involved in the reaction. Once the change in mass has been determined by subtracting the sum of the reactant masses from the sum of the product masses, the physicist can use the equation E = Δmc² by multiplying the change in mass by the speed of light squared. Therefore, the best choice is B) find the change in mass and multiply by the speed of light squared.

To Predict the Approximate Energy Release of Either a Fission