Question

which is a product of nuclear fusion?
○ a nucleus that has a greater mass number than the starting materials
○ two nuclei that are roughly half the mass of the starting materials
○ a nucleus that has the same atomic number as the starting materials
○ two nuclei that have greater atomic numbers than the starting materials

Explanation:

Nuclear fusion is the process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. In this process, the resulting nucleus has a greater mass number (sum of protons and neutrons) than the individual starting nuclei (since they combine). Let's analyze each option:

• Option 1: A nucleus with greater mass number than starting materials fits fusion (combining two light nuclei to make a heavier one with more nucleons, so greater mass number).
• Option 2: Two nuclei half the mass of starting materials describes fission (splitting a heavy nucleus into two lighter ones), not fusion.
• Option 3: The atomic number (number of protons) of the product in fusion is the sum of atomic numbers of the reactants, so it's greater, not the same.
• Option 4: Fusion produces one nucleus (not two) with a greater atomic number (sum of reactants' atomic numbers), so this is incorrect.

Answer:

a nucleus that has a greater mass number than the starting materials