Question

origins of the universe quick check
which describes nuclear fusion? (1 point)
○ starts when a neutron slams into an atom, causing two atoms to form one, heavier atom
○ starts when two atoms slam together to form one, heavier atom
○ starts when a neutron slams into an atom, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms
○ starts when two atoms slam together, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms

Explanation:

Nuclear fusion is the process where two light atomic nuclei combine (fuse) to form a single, heavier nucleus. Let's analyze each option:

• Option 1: Involves a neutron hitting an atom to form a heavier atom, but fusion is about atomic nuclei (not a neutron - atom interaction for fusion; that's more like neutron capture in some cases, not fusion).
• Option 2: Correctly describes fusion as two atoms (nuclei) slamming together to form one heavier atom.
• Option 3: Describes nuclear fission (splitting of a large atom into smaller ones due to neutron impact), not fusion.
• Option 4: Also describes fission (splitting of a large atom into smaller ones when two atoms collide? No, fission is usually neutron - induced splitting of a heavy atom, but this also is a fission - like description, not fusion).

Answer:

Item 2. starts when two atoms slam together to form one, heavier atom