MCQEasyJEE 2025Nuclear Fission & Fusion

JEE Physics 2025 Question with Solution

Match the LIST-I with LIST-II

LIST-I LIST-II

A. 92236U3894Sr+54140Xe+2n^{236}_{92} U \rightarrow ^{94}_{38} Sr + ^{140}_{54} Xe + 2n I. Chemical Reaction

B. 2H2+O22H2O2H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow 2H_2O II. Fusion with +ve Q value

C. 13H+12H24He+n^3_1 H + ^2_1 H \rightarrow ^4_2 He + n III. Fission

D. 11H+13H24H+γ^1_1 H + ^3_1 H \rightarrow ^4_2 H + \gamma IV. Fusion with -ve Q value

Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

  • A

    A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV

  • B

    A-III, B-I, C-II, D-IV

  • C

    A-II, B-I, C-IV, D-III

  • D

    A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II

Answer

Correct answer:B

Step-by-step solution

Standard Method

Given: Four reactions in LIST-I are to be matched with the descriptions in LIST-II.

Find: The correct matching and hence the correct option.

Classify each reaction using the reactants and products shown in the equation.

  1. Reaction A
92236U3894Sr+54140Xe+2n^{236}_{92} U \rightarrow ^{94}_{38} Sr + ^{140}_{54} Xe + 2n

A heavy nucleus splits into lighter nuclei and neutrons, so this is fission. Therefore, A \rightarrow III.

  1. Reaction B
2H2+O22H2O2H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow 2H_2O

This is a usual chemical reaction involving molecules, so B \rightarrow I.

  1. Reaction C
13H+12H24He+n^3_1 H + ^2_1 H \rightarrow ^4_2 He + n

Two light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, so this is fusion. The solution identifies it as fusion with positive Q value, hence C \rightarrow II.

  1. Reaction D
11H+13H24H+γ^1_1 H + ^3_1 H \rightarrow ^4_2 H + \gamma

This is also a fusion reaction. The solution identifies it as fusion with negative Q value, hence D \rightarrow IV.

So the correct matching is:

AIII,  BI,  CII,  DIVA-III,\; B-I,\; C-II,\; D-IV

Therefore, the correct option is B.

Reaction-wise Classification

Given: A matching question on fission, fusion, and chemical reaction.

Find: Which option correctly matches all entries.

  • A: 92236U3894Sr+54140Xe+2n^{236}_{92} U \rightarrow ^{94}_{38} Sr + ^{140}_{54} Xe + 2n

  • A very heavy nucleus breaks into two medium nuclei with neutrons emitted.

  • This is the characteristic signature of nuclear fission.

  • Hence, A - III.

  • B: 2H2+O22H2O2H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow 2H_2O

  • Hydrogen and oxygen molecules combine to form water.

  • No nuclear species are changing; this is a chemical reaction.

  • Hence, B - I.

  • C: 13H+12H24He+n^3_1 H + ^2_1 H \rightarrow ^4_2 He + n

  • Two light nuclei combine.

  • This is fusion, and the provided solution states that energy is released, so it has positive Q value.

  • Hence, C - II.

  • D: 11H+13H24H+γ^1_1 H + ^3_1 H \rightarrow ^4_2 H + \gamma

  • This is again a combination of light nuclei, so it is fusion.

  • The provided solution classifies it as fusion with negative Q value.

  • Hence, D - IV.

Thus, the final match is A-III, B-I, C-II, D-IV.

Therefore, the correct option is B.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Treating every reaction written with an arrow as a nuclear reaction. Why it is wrong: 2H2+O22H2O2H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow 2H_2O involves molecules and electron rearrangement, not nucleus-level change. What to do instead: First check whether the species are atoms/molecules or nuclei before classifying the reaction.

  • Mistake: Confusing fission and fusion. Why it is wrong: fission means a heavy nucleus splits into smaller nuclei, while fusion means lighter nuclei combine into a heavier product. What to do instead: Look at whether the number of nuclei increases by splitting or decreases by combining.

  • Mistake: Matching C and D both as the same type of fusion without noting the Q value distinction. Why it is wrong: the question separately asks for fusion with positive and negative Q value. What to do instead: After identifying fusion, use the given solution classification to distinguish +ve Q and -ve Q cases.

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