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

Question

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

Answer 1

The correct statement that is always true when nuclear fusion occurs is:

The total number of protons and neutrons in each nucleus remains constant.

In nuclear fusion, two lighter atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, resulting in the release of energy. While the number of individual protons and neutrons may change as nuclei combine, the overall conservation of nucleons (the combination of protons and neutrons) is maintained.