Question

which changes happen in a nuclear fusion reaction? (1 point) the number of nucleons stays the same, while total mass increases slightly. the number of nuclei stays the same, while total mass increases slightly. the number of nuclei stays the same, while total mass decreases slightly. the number of nucleons stays the same, while total mass decreases slightly.

Explanation:

In nuclear fusion, two or more light - nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. The number of nucleons (protons and neutrons) is conserved, but due to mass - energy equivalence (E = mc²), some mass is converted into energy. So the total mass decreases slightly while the number of nucleons stays the same.

Answer:

The number of nucleons stays the same, while total mass decreases slightly.