What word pairs with "fusion" to illustrate a similar relationship as "merge"?

The word "fission" pairs with "fusion" because both terms describe processes involving the alteration of atomic structure, and they represent opposite actions in nuclear physics. Fusion refers to the process of combining two or more atomic nuclei to form a single, heavier nucleus, which releases energy. In contrast, fission is the process of splitting a heavy atomic nucleus into lighter nuclei, also releasing energy but through a different mechanism. This pairing emphasizes a relationship where one action is the reverse of the other, similar to how "merge" involves combining elements while its counterpart, "split," would indicate separating them. This connection clearly showcases the oppositional nature of the terms, much like the merging and splitting concepts do in a broader context.

The other choices, while potentially relevant to their respective terms, do not reflect the same kind of clear oppositional or relational dynamic as the pairing of "fusion" and "fission."