Consider the incomplete equation below

mc020-1.jpg

If this equation was completed, which statement would it best support?
Nuclear fusion produces elements that are heavier than helium.
Nuclear fusion produces elements that are lighter than helium.
Nuclear fission produces elements that are heavier than helium.
Nuclear fission produces elements that are lighter than helium.

1 answer

The incomplete equation you referenced likely involves nuclear fusion or fission processes. In general terms:

  • Nuclear fusion typically combines lighter elements (like hydrogen) to form heavier elements (such as helium), and can produce heavier elements in stars under extreme conditions.

  • Nuclear fission involves splitting heavier nuclei (like uranium or plutonium) into lighter elements along with the release of energy.

Given that nuclear fusion involves the creation of heavier elements from lighter ones, the statement that best supports the idea of nuclear fusion would be:

Nuclear fusion produces elements that are heavier than helium.

If the equation involves fusion, it would demonstrate the process where lighter hydrogen nuclei combine to eventually form helium and potentially heavier elements under stellar conditions.