Which change will always take place in nuclear fusion?(1 point)
the total charge will be less than before the fusion took place.
A nucleus with a smaller mass than any of the reactants will be produced.
A nucleus with a greater than before the fusion took place.
the total charge will be greater than before the fusion took place.
A nucleus with a smaller mass than any of the reactants will be produced.
The correct answer is: A nucleus with a smaller mass than any of the reactants will be produced.
The correct answer is:
A nucleus with a greater mass than before the fusion took place.
To understand why this is the correct answer, let's first briefly explain what nuclear fusion is. Nuclear fusion is a process where two or more atomic nuclei come together to form a single, heavier nucleus.
In nuclear fusion, the mass of the products will be greater than the mass of the reactants. This is because according to Albert Einstein's theory of relativity (E = mc²), mass can be converted into energy. During nuclear fusion, a small fraction of the mass of the nuclei involved is converted into energy, which is released in the form of light and heat.
Therefore, when two atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus through fusion, the total mass of the products will be greater than the total mass of the reactants. This increase in mass is equal to the mass that has been converted into energy.
So, in the context of nuclear fusion, a nucleus with a greater mass than before the fusion took place is the change that will always occur.