Which describes nuclear fusion?(1 point)
Responses
starts when two atoms slam together to form one, heavier atom
starts when two atoms slam together to form one, heavier atom
starts when two atoms slam together, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms
starts when two atoms slam together, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms
starts when a neutron slams into an atom, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms
starts when a neutron slams into an atom, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms
starts when a neutron slams into an atom, causing two atoms to form one, heavier atom
starts when a neutron slams into an atom, causing two atoms to form one, heavier atom
starts when two atoms slam together to form one, heavier atom
starts when two atoms slam together to form one, heavier atom
The correct answer is: starts when two atoms slam together, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms.
Nuclear fusion is a process where two lighter atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. In this process, a large amount of energy is released due to the conversion of mass into energy, as described by Einstein's famous equation E=mc^2.
To solve this question, we need to identify the correct description of nuclear fusion. By analyzing the given options:
- "starts when two atoms slam together to form one, heavier atom" - This describes nuclear fission, not fusion. In nuclear fission, a heavy atom is split into two smaller atoms.
- "starts when two atoms slam together, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms" - This description also refers to nuclear fission, not fusion. It mentions the splitting of a larger atom into two smaller ones.
- "starts when a neutron slams into an atom, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms" - This describes nuclear fission, not fusion. It involves the impact of a neutron on an atom, resulting in the breaking of the larger atom into smaller ones.
- "starts when a neutron slams into an atom, causing two atoms to form one, heavier atom" - This is not a correct description of any nuclear process.
Therefore, the correct description of nuclear fusion is "starts when two atoms slam together, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms" which is the second option given.