Question

which applies to fusion? check all that apply.
□ involves the splitting of nuclei
□ takes place in the sun
□ releases radiation as a waste product
□ occurs in nuclear power plants and is used to generate electricity
□ plays a role in the production of essentially all elements heavier than helium
□ releases large amounts of energy
done

Explanation:

• Splitting nuclei is fission, not fusion.
• The Sun uses hydrogen fusion to produce energy.
• Fusion produces minimal long-lived radioactive waste, unlike fission.
• Current nuclear power plants use fission, not fusion.
• Stellar nucleosynthesis (fusion) creates elements heavier than helium in stars.
• Fusion converts mass to large amounts of energy via $E=mc^2$.

Answer:

• takes place in the Sun
• plays a role in the production of essentially all elements heavier than helium
• releases large amounts of energy