Nuclear fusion is the process by which
A) electrons are rearranged inside an atom, releasing energy
B) a number of smaller nuclei combine to form a larger nucleus with the release of energy
C) an electron is ejected from the nucleus of an atom, releasing energy
D) large nuclei break up into smaller nuclei with the release of energy

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Nuclear fusion is the process by which a number of smaller nuclei combine to form a larger nucleus, releasing energy in the process. This is the process that occurs in stars, where hydrogen nuclei combine to form helium and release energy in the form of light and heat. Fusion is more efficient than fission (the breaking up of large nuclei into smaller ones), but is currently difficult to achieve on Earth due to the high temperatures and pressures required to initiate the process.

Nuclear Fusion Is the Process by Which