This diagram represents a fusion reaction.

Question

What alterations occur in the nuclei when deuterium and tritium combine in fusion?

(1 point)
Responses

Two smaller nuclei combine to produce a less massive nucleus while releasing energy.
Two smaller nuclei combine to produce a less massive nucleus while releasing energy.

Two smaller nuclei combine to create a nucleus with a diminished number of electrons, resulting in the release of energy.
Two smaller nuclei combine to create a nucleus with a diminished number of electrons, resulting in the release of energy.

Two less massive nuclei combine to create a more substantial nucleus while releasing energy.
Two less massive nuclei combine to create a more substantial nucleus while releasing energy.

Two smaller nuclei unite to create a nucleus with a reduced number of protons while emitting energy.
Two smaller nuclei unite to create a nucleus with a reduced number of protons while emitting energy.
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Answer 1

The correct response to describe the alterations that occur in the nuclei when deuterium and tritium combine in fusion is:

Two smaller nuclei combine to produce a less massive nucleus while releasing energy.

In a fusion reaction between deuterium (²H) and tritium (³H), the result is a heavier nucleus, specifically helium (⁴He), along with the release of energy through the process of fusion. The combined mass of the resulting nucleus is less than the total mass of the original nuclei due to the mass-energy equivalence principle (E=mc²), wherein the lost mass is converted into energy.