Question

choose the statement about nuclear fusion that is always correct? a very little energy is released in fusion processes. b due to its instability, ⁵⁶fe readily undergoes fusion. c nuclear fusion is an energetically favorable process for lighter atoms. d in fusion reactions, a proton and an electron combine to create a neutron.

Explanation:

Nuclear fusion is the process of combining atomic nuclei. Lighter atoms release energy when they undergo fusion, making it an energetically favorable process for them. In reality, a large amount of energy is released in fusion processes (contrary to A). $^{56}$Fe is a very stable nucleus and does not readily undergo fusion (contrary to B). The combination of a proton and an electron to create a neutron is an electron - capture process, not a typical fusion reaction step (contrary to D).

Answer:

C. Nuclear fusion is an energetically favorable process for lighter atoms.