Which statement is always true when nuclear fusion occurs?(1 point)

Question

Responses

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

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.

Answer 1

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

The combined number of protons and neutrons remains constant.

During nuclear fusion, lighter nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, and while they may release energy, the total number of nucleons (protons and neutrons) is conserved in the process.

The other statements are not true in all cases:

• The total number of protons and neutrons in each nucleus does not remain constant; it can change from the reactants to the product.
• The number of protons in the resulting nucleus can be greater or less than the number in the starting nuclei, depending on the specific fusion reaction.
• The number of protons in the resulting nucleus is not necessarily double that of a starting nucleus; it can vary depending on the specific isotopes involved in the fusion.