In the process of nuclear fusion,
A) two or more nuclei fuse or stick together to form a heavier nucleus that has exactly the same mass as the original nucleus
B) a heavy nucleus breaks apart into a number of smaller nuclei whose combined mass is less than the original nucleus
C) two or more nuclei fuse or stick together to form a heavier nucleus whose combined mass is slightly less than the original nuclei
D) two or more nuclei fuse or stick together to form a heavier nucleus whose combined mass is slightly greater than the original nuclei

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the process of nuclear fusion, two or more nuclei fuse or stick together to form a heavier nucleus. The combined mass of the resulting nucleus is slightly less than the original nuclei. This difference in mass is released as energy, according to Einstein's famous equation, E=mc^2. Therefore, choice C is the correct answer.

In the Process of Nuclear Fusion