Which process involves combining light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus?

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Multiple Choice

Which process involves combining light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus?

Explanation:
Fusion is the process of combining light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus. This happens in stars when hydrogen isotopes fuse to helium, and the resulting nucleus is more tightly bound, releasing energy in the process. The energy release comes from the increase in binding energy per nucleon as you fuse light nuclei. This is different from fission, which splits a heavy nucleus into lighter ones. Beta decay changes one type of nucleon into another (a neutron to a proton or vice versa) with the emission of a beta particle and a neutrino, and electron capture involves a proton turning into a neutron by capturing an inner electron. Neither of these involves fusing light nuclei.

Fusion is the process of combining light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus. This happens in stars when hydrogen isotopes fuse to helium, and the resulting nucleus is more tightly bound, releasing energy in the process. The energy release comes from the increase in binding energy per nucleon as you fuse light nuclei.

This is different from fission, which splits a heavy nucleus into lighter ones. Beta decay changes one type of nucleon into another (a neutron to a proton or vice versa) with the emission of a beta particle and a neutrino, and electron capture involves a proton turning into a neutron by capturing an inner electron. Neither of these involves fusing light nuclei.

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