In massive stars,three helium nuclei fuse together,forming a carbon nucleus,and this reaction heats the core of the star.The net mass of the three helium nuclei must therefore be
A)higher than that of the carbon nucleus.
B)less than that of the carbon nucleus.
C)the same as that of the carbon nucleus because mass is always conserved.
D)the same as that of the carbon nucleus because energy is always conserved.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The net mass of the three helium nuclei is higher than that of the carbon nucleus because some of the mass is converted into energy (according to Einstein's equation E=mc^2) during the fusion process. This energy release is what heats the core of the star.

In Massive Stars,three Helium Nuclei Fuse Together,forming a Carbon Nucleus,and