Question

Two nuclei with lower binding energy per nucleon form a nuclei with more binding energy per nucleon.

1. What type of nuclear reaction is it?
2. Whether the total mass of nuclei increases, decreases or remains unchanged?
3. Does the process require energy or produce energy?

Answer 1

1. When two nuclei with lesser binding energy per nucleon produce a nucleus with higher binding energy per nucleon, it is a fusion reaction.
2. Since the final nucleus has greater binding energy per nucleon, the overall mass decreases, and energy is produced according to Einstein’s equation E = mc².
3. The process produces energy because the final nucleus is more stable (has higher binding energy per nucleon), and the excess energy is released in the form of heat and radiation. This is why nuclear fusion powers stars.