When e is the number of electrons, m is the mass number, n is the number of neutrons, and p is the number of protons, which equation is correct for an atom involved in nuclear fusion? (1 point)
Responses
m = p + e
m = p + e
m = n
m = n
m = e
m = e
m = n + p
m = n + p
To determine the correct equation for an atom involved in nuclear fusion, we need to understand the concept of nuclear fusion and how it affects the composition of an atom.
Nuclear fusion is a process in which two or more atomic nuclei combine to form a larger nucleus, releasing a significant amount of energy in the process. During nuclear fusion, the nuclei of atoms collide and stick together, leading to the formation of a new atom. It is important to note that nuclear fusion typically occurs in the context of reactions involving hydrogen isotopes.
Now, let's break down the components in the given equations and see which one is correct for an atom involved in nuclear fusion:
1. m = p + e:
- "m" represents the mass number of the atom.
- "p" represents the number of protons in the atom.
- "e" represents the number of electrons in the atom.
This equation does not directly relate to nuclear fusion since it only accounts for protons and electrons, without considering the effect of nuclear fusion on the atom's composition.
2. m = n:
- "m" represents the mass number of the atom.
- "n" represents the number of neutrons in the atom.
This equation does not directly relate to nuclear fusion since it only considers the number of neutrons in an atom and does not account for the effect of nuclear fusion.
3. m = e:
- "m" represents the mass number of the atom.
- "e" represents the number of electrons in the atom.
This equation does not directly relate to nuclear fusion since it only considers the number of electrons in an atom and does not account for the effect of nuclear fusion.
4. m = n + p:
- "m" represents the mass number of the atom.
- "n" represents the number of neutrons in the atom.
- "p" represents the number of protons in the atom.
This equation is the one that correctly represents an atom involved in nuclear fusion. During nuclear fusion, the number of protons and neutrons in the atom can change, leading to a different mass number. Therefore, the equation m = n + p accounts for the effects of nuclear fusion on the atom's composition.
Hence, the correct equation for an atom involved in nuclear fusion is:
m = n + p
The correct equation for an atom involved in nuclear fusion is:
m = n + p