Science A-I

UNIT 5

Nuclear Processes

LESSON 4

Modeling Fusion

Modeling Fusion Quick Check

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Which change will always take place in nuclear fusion? (1 point)

O The total charge will be less than before the fusion took place.

OA nucleus with a greater mass than any of the reactants will be produced.

OA nucleus with a smaller mass than any of the reactants will be produced.

In nuclear fusion, two light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, resulting in a nucleus with a mass that is less than the sum of the original masses. This mass difference is converted into energy, which is a hallmark of fusion reactions. Therefore, a nucleus with a smaller mass than any of the reactants is always produced in nuclear fusion.

Explanation:

Nuclear Fusion Process

Nuclear fusion is the process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. This reaction typically occurs in stars, including our Sun, where hydrogen nuclei fuse to form helium. One of the most significant characteristics of nuclear fusion is that it results in a nucleus with a mass that is less than the total mass of the original nuclei that fused.

When two light nuclei come together, some mass is converted into energy according to Einstein's equation, E=mc2. This release of energy is what powers stars and is the basis for nuclear fusion reactions.

Key Changes in Fusion

The total charge remains the same: The total positive charge of the fused nucleus equals the sum of the charges of the individual nuclei.
A nucleus with a smaller mass is produced: During fusion, the resulting nucleus is lighter than the mass of the original nuclei combined.

Thus, among the options provided, the correct change that will always take place in nuclear fusion is: A nucleus with a smaller mass than any of the reactants will be produced.

Learn more about Nuclear Fusion here:

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