What lighter elements are combined in nuclear fusion, what products are produced, and how many atoms of hydrogen combine to form one atom of helium?
Understand the Problem
The question pertains to nuclear fusion, particularly the processes involved in the fusion of lighter elements to form heavier atoms, specifically in the context of the sun. It asks about what lighter elements are involved, what products are produced, and how many atoms combine to create helium.
Answer
Hydrogen nuclei combine to form helium and energy; four hydrogen atoms form one helium atom.
The final answer is: Nuclear fusion is the process where lighter hydrogen nuclei are combined to produce a larger, heavier nucleus. Ingredients: hydrogen gas, extreme heat, and pressure. Products: helium gas and energy. Four atoms of hydrogen combine to form one atom of helium.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is: Nuclear fusion is the process where lighter hydrogen nuclei are combined to produce a larger, heavier nucleus. Ingredients: hydrogen gas, extreme heat, and pressure. Products: helium gas and energy. Four atoms of hydrogen combine to form one atom of helium.
More Information
In nuclear fusion, hydrogen nuclei (often deuterium and tritium) combine under extreme conditions to form helium, releasing energy in the process.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing nuclear fusion with nuclear fission, the latter involves splitting a heavy nucleus into lighter nuclei.
Sources
- Nuclear fusion - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
- What is nuclear fusion? - Space.com - space.com
- Fusion on the Sun - EUROfusion - euro-fusion.org
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