Which statement is always true when nuclear fusion occurs?(1 point)
Responses
The number of protons in the resulting nucleus is double that of a starting nucleus.
The total number of protons and neutrons in each nucleus remains constant.
The number of protons in the resulting nucleus is less than in each starting nucleus.
The combined number of protons and neutrons remains constant.
The statement that is always true when nuclear fusion occurs is: "The combined number of protons and neutrons remains constant." Just like your love for pizza and ice cream. It always stays the same, never changes.
The correct statement that is always true when nuclear fusion occurs is: "The combined number of protons and neutrons remains constant."
To determine which statement is always true when nuclear fusion occurs, let's break down the process of nuclear fusion and analyze each statement:
1. The number of protons in the resulting nucleus is double that of a starting nucleus.
The statement is not always true. In nuclear fusion, two atomic nuclei combine to form a single, heavier nucleus. The resulting nucleus may have a different number of protons than the starting nuclei, but it is not necessarily double.
2. The total number of protons and neutrons in each nucleus remains constant.
This statement is also not always true. During nuclear fusion, the total number of protons and neutrons in the participating atomic nuclei will combine to form the total protons and neutrons in the resulting nucleus. However, the number of protons and neutrons can change depending on the specific nuclei involved in the fusion reaction.
3. The number of protons in the resulting nucleus is less than in each starting nucleus.
This statement is also not always true. As mentioned earlier, the resulting nucleus in a fusion reaction may have a different number of protons compared to the starting nuclei. However, this can vary depending on the specific nuclei involved.
4. The combined number of protons and neutrons remains constant.
This statement is always true when nuclear fusion occurs. During a fusion reaction, the combined number of protons and neutrons in the starting nuclei will always remain the same as the combined number of protons and neutrons in the resulting nucleus. The conservation of mass and energy is a fundamental principle in nuclear reactions.
Therefore, the correct statement that is always true when nuclear fusion occurs is:
- The combined number of protons and neutrons remains constant.