Question

which is a product of nuclear fusion?
a nucleus that has a greater mass number than the starting materials
two nuclei that are roughly half the mass of the starting materials
a nucleus that has the same atomic number as the starting materials
two nuclei that have greater atomic numbers than the starting materials

Explanation:

Nuclear fusion is the process where two light - weight nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus.

• In nuclear fusion, the mass number (sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus) of the product nucleus is greater than the mass numbers of the starting nuclei.
• Option 2 (two nuclei that are roughly half the mass of the starting materials) is a description of nuclear fission (where a heavy nucleus splits into two lighter nuclei).
• Option 3 (a nucleus that has the same atomic number as the starting materials) is incorrect because when two different nuclei fuse, the atomic number (number of protons) of the product is different from the starting nuclei.
• Option 4 (two nuclei that have greater atomic numbers than the starting materials) is also incorrect as fusion forms a single heavier nucleus, not two nuclei with greater atomic numbers.

Answer:

a nucleus that has a greater mass number than the starting materials