Which statement is always true when nuclear fusion occurs?
• The total number of protons and neutrons in each nucleus remains constant
• The combined number of protons and neutrons remains constant
• The number of protons in the resulting nucleus is less than in each starting nucleus
• The number of protons in the resulting nucleus is double that of a starting nucleus
The combined number of protons and neutrons remains constant.
When nuclear fusion occurs, the statement that is always true is:
• The combined number of protons and neutrons remains constant.
To determine which statement is always true when nuclear fusion occurs, let's understand the process of nuclear fusion and examine each statement:
Nuclear fusion is the process in which two atomic nuclei combine to form a single, more massive nucleus. This process releases a significant amount of energy. In the Sun and other stars, nuclear fusion processes occur, primarily combining hydrogen nuclei (protons) to form helium.
Now, let's evaluate each statement:
1. The total number of protons and neutrons in each nucleus remains constant:
This statement is not always true when nuclear fusion occurs. During fusion, atomic nuclei combine, and in the process, some of the mass gets converted into energy. This means that the total number of protons and neutrons isn't necessarily constant.
2. The combined number of protons and neutrons remains constant:
Similar to the previous statement, this statement is also not always true when nuclear fusion occurs. As mentioned earlier, some mass is converted into energy during fusion, so the combined number of protons and neutrons may change.
3. The number of protons in the resulting nucleus is less than in each starting nucleus:
This statement is not always true when nuclear fusion occurs. In fusion reactions, the number of protons in the resulting nucleus doesn't necessarily decrease. For example, when two hydrogen nuclei fuse to form helium, the resulting nucleus has two protons, the same as each starting hydrogen nucleus.
4. The number of protons in the resulting nucleus is double that of a starting nucleus:
This statement is also not always true when nuclear fusion occurs. In certain fusion reactions, like the fusion of two hydrogen nuclei to form helium, the resulting nucleus has a different number of protons than each starting nucleus. However, it doesn't necessarily double the number of protons.
In conclusion, none of the given statements are always true when nuclear fusion occurs. The specific outcome of nuclear fusion depends on the elements involved and the reaction taking place.