Question

What is the name of the process by which stars produce energy?

• A. Nuclear fission
• B. Radioactive decay
• C. Nuclear fusion
• D. Nuclear transmutation

Hint:

Think of stars as giant fusion reactors that fuse hydrogen atoms into helium, releasing the light and heat we receive.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Energy production in stars
Stars shine because they produce huge amounts of energy in their cores. This energy comes from a special process where small atoms combine to form bigger atoms, releasing energy.
Step 2: What is nuclear fusion?
Nuclear fusion is when two light atomic nuclei (such as hydrogen) combine to make a heavier nucleus (like helium). This process releases a lot of energy in the form of light and heat.
Step 3: Difference from other processes
- Nuclear fission is splitting heavy atoms into smaller parts (used in nuclear reactors).
- Radioactive decay is when unstable atoms lose particles slowly over time.
- Nuclear transmutation is changing one element into another artificially or naturally.
Step 4: Conclusion
The energy powering stars is due to nuclear fusion, making Option (C) correct.