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 combines light - weight nuclei to form heavier ones. It releases a large amount of energy and is energetically favorable for lighter atoms. Option A is incorrect as a large amount of energy is released in fusion. Iron - 56 ($^{56}$Fe) is a very stable nucleus and does not readily undergo fusion, so option B is wrong. The combination of a proton and an electron to form a neutron is electron capture, not a typical fusion reaction, so option D is incorrect.

Answer:

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