Question

Match column I and II and chose correct Answer form the given below. (a) Nuclear fusion (p) converts some matter into energy (b) Nuclear fission (q) generally Possible for nuclei with low atomic number (c) \(\beta\) decay (r) generally Possible for nuclei with high atomic number (d) Exothermic nuclear (s) Essentially Proceeds by weak reaction nuclear force(c) (A) \(\mathrm{a} \rightarrow \mathrm{p}, \mathrm{b} \rightarrow \mathrm{r}, \mathrm{c} \rightarrow \mathrm{s}, \mathrm{d} \rightarrow \mathrm{q}\) (B) \(\mathrm{a} \rightarrow \mathrm{q}, \mathrm{b} \rightarrow \mathrm{r}, \mathrm{c} \rightarrow \mathrm{p}, \mathrm{d} \rightarrow \mathrm{s}\) (C) \(\mathrm{a} \rightarrow \mathrm{q}, \mathrm{b} \rightarrow \mathrm{r}, \mathrm{c} \rightarrow \mathrm{s}, \mathrm{d} \rightarrow \mathrm{p}\) (D) \(\mathrm{a} \rightarrow \mathrm{r}, \mathrm{b} \rightarrow \mathrm{q}, \mathrm{c} \rightarrow \mathrm{p}, \mathrm{d} \rightarrow \mathrm{s}\)

Short answer

The short answer is: (C) a → q, b → r, c → s, d → p

Step-by-step solution

(Step 1: Matching Nuclear Fusion)

Nuclear fusion typically involves nuclei with low atomic numbers, and it converts some matter into energy. So, we can match (a) to (p) and (q).

(Step 2: Matching Nuclear Fission)

Nuclear fission generally occurs with nuclei with high atomic numbers, and it results in the release of energy. So, we can match (b) to (r).

(Step 3: Matching \(\beta\) Decay)

\(\beta\) decay is a type of radioactive decay that involves the weak nuclear force. So, we can match (c) to (s).

(Step 4: Matching Exothermic Nuclear)

Exothermic nuclear reactions are those that result in the production of energy, typically through releasing heat. This aligns with the concept of converting some matter into energy. So, we can match (d) to (p). After matching each term with their corresponding phrase in column II, we obtain the following result: a → q, b → r, c → s, d → p By comparing this with the given choices, we identify the correct answer as: (C) a → q, b → r, c → s, d → p

Key concepts

Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear fusion is a fascinating process that occurs when two light atomic nuclei come together to form a heavier nucleus. This process releases a significant amount of energy.
Fusion is the power source of stars, including our sun. It involves elements like hydrogen fusing under extreme heat and pressure to form helium.

• Low Atomic Numbers: Because it involves light elements, fusion typically occurs with nuclei that have low atomic numbers.
• Energy Conversion: Through fusion, some of the matter is converted into energy—a concept famously expressed by Einstein's equation, \(E=mc^2\).

Fusion reactions are challenging to achieve on Earth because they require extremely high temperatures to overcome the repulsive forces between hydrogen nuclei. Researchers continue to work on harnessing fusion for a clean, almost limitless energy source.

Nuclear Fission

While nuclear fusion molds atoms together, nuclear fission does the opposite—splitting them apart. Fission is a reaction where a heavy atomic nucleus breaks down into two lighter nuclei, releasing energy in the process.
This process is the principle behind nuclear power plants and some types of nuclear weapons.

• High Atomic Numbers: Fission is generally possible for elements with high atomic numbers, such as uranium or plutonium.
• Energy Release: The splitting of the heavy nucleus results in energy release, which can be harnessed for electricity generation or other purposes.

Control of nuclear fission reactions is crucial to avoid accidents, making the study and regulation of fission paramount for safe nuclear energy use.

Beta Decay

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay involving the transformation of a neutron into a proton, or vice versa, inside an atom's nucleus. This process results in the emission of a beta particle, which can either be an electron or a positron.
The beta particle is ejected from the nucleus, altering the original element into a different element.

• Types of Beta Decay: There are two types—\(\beta^-\) decay emits electrons, and \(\beta^+\) decay emits positrons.
• Involvement of Weak Nuclear Force: The weak nuclear force is a fundamental force in physics responsible for this transformation.

Beta decay helps scientists understand processes like nuclear stability and transformations, playing a crucial role in fields such as nuclear medicine and radiocarbon dating.

Weak Nuclear Force

The weak nuclear force, despite its name, is a fundamental force crucial in processes like beta decay. It is responsible for the decay of subatomic particles and initiating the transformation in radioactive decay processes, including beta decay.
The weak force was unified with electromagnetic force under the electroweak force in particle physics, showing its underlying importance in the universe.

• Short Range: This force acts over a very short distance, within the confines of an atomic nucleus.
• Key Role: It enables processes that allow for changes in the nucleus, changing neutrons to protons or vice versa, fundamental in phenomena such as nuclear fusion in stars.

Understanding the weak force is crucial for scientists to comprehend how elements are formed and changed, playing a key role in the universe's evolution and structure.