Which statement is always true when nuclear fusion occurs?(1 point) Responses The number of protons in the resulting nucleus is double that of a starting nucleus. The number of protons in the resulting nucleus is double that of a starting nucleus. The number of protons in the resulting nucleus is less than in each starting nucleus. The number of protons in the resulting nucleus is less than in each starting nucleus. The total number of protons and neutrons in each nucleus remains constant. The total number of protons and neutrons in each nucleus remains constant. The combined number of protons and neutrons remains constant. The combined number of protons and neutrons remains constant.

Question

Which statement is always true when nuclear fusion occurs?(1 point) Responses The number of protons in the resulting nucleus is double that of a starting nucleus. The number of protons in the resulting nucleus is double that of a starting nucleus. The number of protons in the resulting nucleus is less than in each starting nucleus. The number of protons in the resulting nucleus is less than in each starting nucleus. The total number of protons and neutrons in each nucleus remains constant. The total number of protons and neutrons in each nucleus remains constant. The combined number of protons and neutrons remains constant. The combined number of protons and neutrons remains constant.

Answer 1

The combined number of protons and neutrons remains constant.

Answer 2

The statement that is always true when nuclear fusion occurs is: "The total number of protons and neutrons in each nucleus remains constant."

Answer 3

The correct answer is: "The total number of protons and neutrons in each nucleus remains constant."

When nuclear fusion occurs, two or more atomic nuclei come together to form a single, larger nucleus. In this process, the total number of protons and neutrons in each nucleus remains constant. However, the number of protons in the resulting nucleus may be different from the starting nuclei.

To understand why this statement is always true, we need to understand the basics of nuclear fusion. During nuclear fusion, the nuclei of atoms are forced close enough together that the strong nuclear force overcomes the electrostatic repulsion between the positive protons. This allows the protons and neutrons to come in contact and form a single nucleus.

In the process of fusion, the total mass and energy of the reactants (starting nuclei) must be conserved. This means that the total number of protons and neutrons in the resulting nucleus will be the same as the sum of the protons and neutrons in the starting nuclei.

However, the number of protons in the resulting nucleus may be different from the starting nuclei because the fusion process can involve different elements or isotopes. Fusion can result in the creation of new elements and isotopes by combining the protons and neutrons from the starting nuclei.

So, while the number of protons in the resulting nucleus may vary, the total number of protons and neutrons in each nucleus involved in the fusion reaction remains constant.