Which of the following results in the release of nuclear energy? select the best answer from the choices provided only the breaking of nuclear bonds. only the forming of nuclear bonds. both the breaking of nuclear bonds and the forming of nuclear bonds. neither the breaking of nuclear bonds nor the forming of nuclear bonds.

Both the breaking and forming of nuclear bonds.

Option C, Both the breaking of nuclear bonds and the forming of nuclear bonds

Explanation:

Nuclear reactions are of two types  

a) Nuclear fission - Here nuclear bonds are broken and a large radioactive unstable substance is converted into stable smaller substances with release of nuclear energy  

b) Nuclear Fusion - Here nuclear bonds are formed and smaller radioactive molecules join together to form a stable substance thereby releasing some nuclear energy  

For example -  

Nuclear Fission  

Uranium is broken down into strontium and krypton along with release of neutrons and energy

Nuclear Fusion -  

Helium molecule is produced by fusing two isotopes of Hydrogen, Deuterium and Tritium. In this process large amount of heat energy is released

b. the carbon cycle ensures living things have a source of hydrogen