Choose Fission or fusion for both statement.
1.) The number of nucleons stays the same, number of nuclei increases (Fission/Fusion)
2.) The number of nucleons stays the same, total mass decreases slightly (Fission/Fusion)
1.) Fission
2.) Fusion
1.) The statement "The number of nucleons stays the same, number of nuclei increases" refers to the process of nuclear fission. In nuclear fission, a heavy nucleus splits into two or more smaller nuclei. While the number of nucleons (protons and neutrons) remains the same, the number of nuclei increases. This occurs in processes like the splitting of an atomic nucleus in a nuclear power plant.
2.) The statement "The number of nucleons stays the same, total mass decreases slightly" refers to the process of nuclear fusion. In nuclear fusion, two light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. The number of nucleons remains the same, but the total mass decreases slightly due to the conversion of mass into energy, as described by Einstein's mass-energy equivalence principle (E=mc²). This process is the source of energy in the sun and other stars.
So, the answers are:
1.) Fission
2.) Fusion
1.) The number of nucleons stays the same, number of nuclei increases: Fusion
2.) The number of nucleons stays the same, total mass decreases slightly: Fission