The energy from the Sun that reaches Earth is the result of which of the following processes, repeated many times in the core of the Sun?
A) The nuclei of two atoms are combined to form a single atom with a larger nucleus.
B) Molecules are rearranged to form new substances with new properties.
C) Compounds are broken down into smaller, less complex substances.
D) An atomic nucleus spontaneously splits into two separate atoms with less mass.
is is A
The correct answer is:
A) The nuclei of two atoms are combined to form a single atom with a larger nucleus.
The energy from the Sun is mainly generated through a process called nuclear fusion, where the nuclei of two atoms, typically hydrogen atoms, combine to form a single atom with a larger nucleus, usually helium. This process releases a tremendous amount of energy in the form of light and heat.
The correct answer is A) The nuclei of two atoms are combined to form a single atom with a larger nucleus.
To arrive at this answer, one needs to understand the process of nuclear fusion, which occurs in the core of the Sun. Nuclear fusion is the process where the nuclei of two atoms, typically hydrogen, combine to form a single atom with a larger nucleus, usually helium. This process releases an enormous amount of energy in the form of heat and light, which is what we perceive as the energy from the Sun.
The other options can be ruled out by process of elimination:
B) Molecules are rearranged to form new substances with new properties: This option refers to a chemical reaction, not a nuclear process. The energy from the Sun is not a result of chemical reactions in the core of the Sun.
C) Compounds are broken down into smaller, less complex substances: This option describes a process called decomposition, which is also a chemical reaction. Again, the energy from the Sun does not result from compound decomposition.
D) An atomic nucleus spontaneously splits into two separate atoms with less mass: This option describes a process called nuclear fission, not nuclear fusion. Nuclear fission involves the splitting of an atomic nucleus into two smaller nuclei, releasing energy in the process. However, this process is not what powers the Sun.
Therefore, the correct answer is A) The nuclei of two atoms are combined to form a single atom with a larger nucleus through the process of nuclear fusion.
Well B and C are out. We all know stars do nuclear reactions and not chemical.
If D were correct, how would an element with greater mass than Hydrogen ever be formed?