Question

Why is energy released when light nuclei combine in a fusion reaction?

Options

• For light nuclei, binding energy per nucleon increases as mass number increases, so the increase in binding energy appears as released energy

• The mass number of the product nucleus decreases, converting mass directly into light

• The electrostatic repulsion between nuclei does work on the surroundings

• Electrons falling into lower energy orbits emit the fusion energy

Answer 1

For light nuclei, binding energy per nucleon increases as mass number increases. When light nuclei combine, the final nucleus becomes more stable, and the increase in binding energy appears as released energy.