Question

consider the incomplete equation below
( _2^4\text{he} + _2^4\text{he} longrightarrow ? )
if this equation was completed, which statement would it best support?
(circ) nuclear fusion produces elements that are heavier than helium.
(circ) nuclear fusion produces elements that are lighter than helium.
(circ) nuclear fission produces elements that are heavier than helium.
(circ) nuclear fission produces elements that are lighter than helium

Explanation:

1. First, identify the process: The equation shows two helium - 4 nuclei ($\ce{_2^4He}$) combining. This is nuclear fusion (fusion is the combination of light nuclei), not fission (fission is the splitting of heavy nuclei). So we can eliminate the options related to nuclear fission.
2. Then, analyze the product: When two helium - 4 nuclei fuse, the resulting nucleus will have a greater mass number (and atomic number) than helium. So the product will be an element heavier than helium. Among the remaining options (the first two), the first option "Nuclear fusion produces elements that are heavier than helium" is correct. The second option says fusion produces lighter elements, which is wrong.

Answer:

A. Nuclear fusion produces elements that are heavier than helium