Question

which statement is always true when nuclear fusion occurs? (1 point) the combined number of protons and neutrons remains constant. the number of protons in the resulting nucleus is double that of a starting nucleus. the total number of protons and neutrons in each nucleus remains constant. the number of protons in the resulting nucleus is less than in each starting nucleus.

Explanation:

In nuclear fusion, mass - energy conservation is obeyed. The total number of protons and neutrons (nucleons) in the reactants and products remains the same. This is due to the conservation of baryon number. Protons and neutrons can transform into each other during the fusion process, but the total count of these nucleons is conserved.

Answer:

The combined number of protons and neutrons remains constant.