Which describes nuclear fusion?
A. Starts when a neutron slams into an atom, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms.
B. Starts when two atoms slam together, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms.
C. Starts when a neutron slams into an atom, causing two atoms to form one, heavier one.
D. starts when two atoms slam together to form one, heavier atom.
Please help me!
C. Starts when a neutron slams into an atom, causing two atoms to form one, heavier one.
Nuclear fusion is described as:
D. Starts when two atoms slam together to form one, heavier atom.
Sure! I'd be happy to help you. To determine which option accurately describes nuclear fusion, let's break down the process and analyze each statement.
Nuclear fusion is a process that occurs when two atomic nuclei come close enough together, leading to the formation of a heavier nucleus. It is the process that powers the sun and other stars. To determine the correct answer, we need to identify the statement that accurately represents this process.
Now let's examine each option:
A. Starts when a neutron slams into an atom, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms.
This statement describes nuclear fission, not nuclear fusion. In nuclear fission, a larger atom is split into two smaller atoms.
B. Starts when two atoms slam together, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms.
Similar to the previous option, this statement also describes nuclear fission, not nuclear fusion. It suggests that two atoms collide, resulting in the splitting of a larger atom.
C. Starts when a neutron slams into an atom, causing two atoms to form one, heavier one.
This statement describes nuclear transmutation, where a neutron collides with an atom, resulting in the combination of two atomic nuclei to form a heavier atom. However, this is not the process of nuclear fusion, which involves the combination of atomic nuclei, typically hydrogen isotopes, to form a heavier nucleus.
D. Starts when two atoms slam together to form one, heavier atom.
This statement accurately describes nuclear fusion. It highlights that two atoms come into contact, leading to the formation of a heavier atom. This process is the essence of nuclear fusion.
So, based on the explanations, the correct answer is option D: starts when two atoms slam together to form one, heavier atom.