Suppose that hydrogen,rather than iron,had the lowest mass per nuclear particle.Which of the following would be true?
A)Stars would be brighter.
B)Stars would be less massive.
C)All stars would be red giants.
D)Nuclear fusion could not power stars.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If hydrogen had the lowest mass per nuclear particle, it would mean that fusing hydrogen into heavier elements would not release energy, as is the case in our universe where fusion up to iron releases energy. This energy release is what powers stars. Without this energy release from fusion, nuclear fusion could not serve as the power source for stars.

Suppose That Hydrogen,rather Than Iron,had the Lowest Mass Per Nuclear