Two light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. The measured total rest mass of the final products is smaller than the total rest mass of the initial nuclei. Which statement correctly explains the energy released in this fusion reaction?
Options

Question

Two light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. The measured total rest mass of the final products is smaller than the total rest mass of the initial nuclei. Which statement correctly explains the energy released in this fusion reaction?

Options

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

In a nuclear reaction, total energy is conserved even though rest mass need not remain separately conserved. If the final rest mass is smaller than the initial rest mass, the mass difference is Δm = M(initial) − M(final). The corresponding released energy is Q = Δm·c². Thus the missing rest mass has not disappeared; it has been converted into kinetic energy and other forms of released energy. Correct option: B.