Question
Which accurately describes the process stars use to convert matter into energy?
Atoms split, decreasing the average size of atomic nuclei.
Atoms fuse, increasing the average size of atomic nuclei.
Atoms release electrons to form positive ions.
Atoms acquire electrons to form negative ions.
Atoms split, decreasing the average size of atomic nuclei.
Atoms fuse, increasing the average size of atomic nuclei.
Atoms release electrons to form positive ions.
Atoms acquire electrons to form negative ions.
Answers
GPT-5 mini
Atoms fuse, increasing the average size of atomic nuclei.
Explanation: In stellar cores, high temperature and pressure allow light nuclei (like hydrogen) to fuse into heavier nuclei (like helium). The mass lost in the fusion process is released as energy (E = mc^2).
Explanation: In stellar cores, high temperature and pressure allow light nuclei (like hydrogen) to fuse into heavier nuclei (like helium). The mass lost in the fusion process is released as energy (E = mc^2).