Question

In a nuclear fusion process, the masses of the fusing nuclei are \( M_A \) and \( M_B \). Then the mass of the product nucleus \( M_C \) is related to \( M_A \) and \( M_B \) as

• A. \( M_C<M_A + M_B \)
• B. \( M_C>M_A + M_B \)
• C. \( M_C = |M_A - M_B| \)
• D. \( M_C = M_A + M_B \)
• E. \( M_C = \frac{M_A + M_B}{2} \)

Hint:

In nuclear fusion, the mass of the product nucleus is always less than the sum of the fusing nuclei due to the release of energy.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

In nuclear fusion, the mass of the product nucleus \( M_C \) is always less than the sum of the masses of the fusing nuclei \( M_A \) and \( M_B \). This is due to the fact that some of the mass is converted into energy, as per the mass-energy equivalence principle \( E = mc^2 \). 
Thus, the correct answer is (A).