Question

Four hydrogen atoms combine to form an \( ^4_2He \) atom with a release of 26.7 MeV of energy. This is:

• A. fission reaction
• B. \( \beta^+ \) emission
• C. \( \beta^- \) emission
• D. \( \gamma \) emission
• E. fusion reaction

Hint:

Nuclear fusion is the process where light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy. This is the process that powers stars, including the sun.

Answer 1

Answer: (E)

Step 1: The process described in the question is the fusion of hydrogen nuclei to form a helium nucleus, which is a typical example of nuclear fusion.
Step 2: In nuclear fusion, multiple light nuclei (in this case, hydrogen atoms) combine to form a heavier nucleus (helium), releasing a large amount of energy. The energy released here is 26.7 MeV, which is characteristic of fusion reactions. 
Step 3: Therefore, the process described is a fusion reaction.