Question

describe the result of the fusion reactions that currently take place in the sun. a. only energy is produced. b. energy and helium are produced. c. energy and hydrogen are produced. d. energy and iron are produced.

Explanation:

In the sun's core, fusion reactions (specifically proton - proton chain and CNO cycle) combine hydrogen nuclei to form helium. During this process, a large amount of energy is released (due to mass - energy conversion, $E = mc^2$). Option A is wrong as matter (helium) is also produced. Option C is wrong because hydrogen is the reactant, not a product. Option D is wrong as iron production happens in later stellar evolution stages, not the sun's current fusion. So the correct option is B.

Answer:

B. Energy and helium are produced.