Question

2
select the correct answer.
which condition in a nebula would prevent nuclear fusion?
a. the presence of nitrogen and carbon
b. the unification of gaseous elements
c. a decrease in the overall volume of gases
d. a core temperature of only ten thousand kelvin
e. physical contact between bare nuclei

Explanation:

Nuclear fusion in a nebula requires extremely high temperatures (millions of Kelvin) to overcome the electrostatic repulsion between atomic nuclei. A core temperature of only ten thousand Kelvin is too low. Nitrogen and carbon can be part of fusion processes in more evolved stellar scenarios. Unification of gaseous elements and decrease in gas volume (higher density) can actually aid in conditions for potential future fusion (as density and element presence are factors but temperature is more critical here). Physical contact between bare nuclei (if in a high - enough temperature and pressure environment) is what fusion is about.

Answer:

D. a core temperature of only ten thousand Kelvin