Question

If a carbon atom (atomic number 6) is combined with an oxygen atom (atomic number 8) to create a silicon atom (atomic number 14), would that be an example of nuclear fusion or fission?

a) Nuclear fusion
b) Nuclear fission
c) Neither fusion nor fission
d) Cannot be determined from the information provided

Answer 1

Combining a carbon atom with an oxygen atom to create a silicon atom is an example of nuclear fusion, where lighter nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus and release energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a carbon atom (atomic number 6) is combined with an oxygen atom (atomic number 8) to create a silicon atom (atomic number 14), this would be an example of nuclear fusion. Nuclear fusion is the process by which lighter atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy in the process.

For instance, if a carbon atom, which typically has 6 protons and 6 neutrons making its mass number 12, were to fuse with an oxygen atom, which typically has 8 protons and 8 neutrons making its mass number 16, they could potentially form a silicon atom with atomic number 14 and a higher mass number. However, such fusion processes generally occur under extreme conditions, such as those found in stars, and not by simply combining atoms in a laboratory setting.

The scenario presented is purely theoretical and simplified; in reality, the fusion of carbon and oxygen nuclei may not directly produce a silicon nucleus due to the complexities of nuclear reactions and would require specific conditions and intermediate reactions.