When two protons and two neutrons combine to form 4He,it is found that this helium nucleus is less massive than the sum of the four original particles used to construct it.What is the significance of this?
A) The lost mass is transferred into energy.
B) The mass is lost through friction.
C) The "lost" mass can be accounted for by the masses of the particles emitted as radioactive decay during the interaction.
D) The mass disappears without a trace.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Einstein's famous equation E=mc², mass and energy are interchangeable. When two protons and two neutrons combine to form 4He, a small amount of mass is converted into energy in accordance with this equation. Therefore, the mass of the helium nucleus is less than the sum of the four original particles used to construct it.

When Two Protons and Two Neutrons Combine to Form 4He,it