Question

This is a model of nuclear fusion. Which statement about the nuclear reaction is correct?
A. The fusion reaction expelled a single proton
B. The product has more protons than either of the reactants
C. The fusion reaction produced an extra neutron
D. The fusion reaction absorbed all the energy

Answer 1

In a typical nuclear fusion reaction, lighter nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy in the process. Looking at the provided options:

A. The fusion reaction expelled a single proton - This is not typically correct for fusion, as the process generally involves the merging of nuclei rather than expelling protons.

B. The product has more protons than either of the reactants - This is generally not true; the number of protons in the product nucleus is equal to the sum of the protons from the reactants minus any particles emitted.

C. The fusion reaction produced an extra neutron - In specific fusion reactions, such as in the fusion of deuterium and tritium, a neutron is indeed produced as a byproduct. This can make this statement context-dependent but generally valid for fusion of light nuclei.

D. The fusion reaction absorbed all the energy - This is incorrect; fusion reactions typically release energy rather than absorb it.

Therefore, the most accurate answer, particularly in the context of common nuclear fusion reactions, is:

**C. The fusion reaction produced an extra neutron.**