Two nuclei of masses m₁ and m₂ fuse to produce a more tightly bound nucleus of mass m₃. Which relation holds?
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Question

Two nuclei of masses m₁ and m₂ fuse to produce a more tightly bound nucleus of mass m₃. Which relation holds?

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Fusion releases energy Q = (m₁ + m₂ − m₃)c². For Q > 0, mass defect is positive, so m₃ < m₁ + m₂. Final answer: Option C.