![]() Reactions typically occur as a chain reaction where a free radical will. ![]() In each case, the two reactant nuclei give a product that has more mass than either of them. Each structure is provided with its name and chemical formula. Notice how, on each side of the equation, the superscripts add up to 4 and the subscripts add up to 2. A typical example is the fusion of two deuterium nuclei to form a tritium nucleus and a proton: Now that we know what these symbols represent, let's see how they can be applied to a nuclear fusion. Just as in a balanced chemical equation, in a balanced nuclear equation, the sums of the superscripts and the sums of the subscripts must be equal on each side of the equation. We also use symbols for α and β particles and for protons and neutrons: Thus, the symbol for uranium-238 is ₉₂²³⁸ U (Sorry, the 92 should be directly under the 238, but I can’t do that in this editor). The collision caused the larger isotope to break apart into two or more elements, which is called nuclear fission. Scientists usually accomplished this task by bombarding a large isotope with a second, smaller one commonly a neutron. The Z describes the number of protons in the nucleus and determines the type of atom. In the 1930s, scientists discovered that some nuclear reactions can be initiated and controlled. The number at the lower left is the atomic number or Z. ![]() The A identifies the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. The number at the upper left is the mass number, also known ‘A’. Each of the elements involved in the reaction is identified by the chemical symbol. In order to write an equation for such a reaction, we must first establish some basic rules. Nuclear fusion is a process in which two or more atomic nuclei collide at a very high speed and join to form a new type of atomic nucleus that has more mass than any of the starting nuclei. ![]()
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