Question

Combining two small nuclei to form a larger nucleus is referred to as the process of nuclear __________ .

Short answer

The process of combining two small nuclei to form a larger nucleus is referred to as nuclear \(fusion\).

Step-by-step solution

Identify the process

The phenomenon of combining two small nuclei to form a larger nucleus is a process related to the field of nuclear physics.

Understand the process

This process occurs when lighter atomic nuclei come very close to each other, and the strong nuclear force fuses them together, creating a heavier, more massive nucleus. The initial nuclei are usually isotopes of hydrogen, like deuterium and tritium.

Provide the term

The term for this process is nuclear \(fusion\).

Key concepts

Nuclear Physics

Nuclear physics is a fascinating branch of science that explores the components and behavior of atomic nuclei. At the microscopic level, it delves into the particles that constitute atoms, primarily protons and neutrons. - These protons and neutrons are held together to form nuclear matter, and understanding how they interact is key to nuclear physics. - This field covers various phenomena, including nuclear fission, radioactive decay, and nuclear fusion. - It helps us understand the forces at play within an atom's nucleus and how these forces govern energy release from nuclear reactions.
The process of nuclear fusion, for instance, deals with high energy interactions where two nuclei combine to form a larger nucleus. This is a classic area of study within nuclear physics that powers our Sun and other stars, releasing enormous amounts of energy.

Strong Nuclear Force

The strong nuclear force, also known simply as the strong force, is one of the four fundamental forces of nature. - It operates at the atomic level, binding protons and neutrons within an atomic nucleus. - This force is incredibly powerful but acts over very short ranges, approximately the size of a nucleus.
In nuclear fusion, the strong nuclear force is crucial. - For fusion to occur, nuclei must overcome their natural repulsion due to like-charged protons. - When they are close enough, the strong nuclear force takes over, and it fuses the nuclei into a larger one, releasing energy. - This force ensures that the nuclei stay bound together after the fusion process.

Hydrogen Isotopes

Hydrogen isotopes play a pivotal role in nuclear fusion. Isotopes are variations of elements that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. - For hydrogen, key isotopes involved in fusion are deuterium and tritium. - Deuterium has one neutron, while tritium has two neutrons apart from the single proton characteristic of hydrogen. In nuclear fusion processes, these hydrogen isotopes are crucial. - Deuterium and tritium are used because they possess lower Coulomb barriers compared to heavier elements, making them easier to fuse. - When they combine during nuclear fusion, they form a helium nucleus and release a neutron and a tremendous amount of energy. - This energy holds promise for clean and almost limitless power production, mirroring the reactions occurring in the sun.