Question
If in a nuclear fusion process, the masses of the fusing nuclei be $${m_1}$$ and $${m_2}$$ and the mass of the resultant nucleus be $${m_3},$$ then
A.
$${m_3} = {m_1} + {m_2}$$
B.
$${m_3} = \left| {{m_1} - {m_2}} \right|$$
C.
$${m_3} < \left( {{m_1} + {m_2}} \right)$$
D.
$${m_3} > \left( {{m_1} + {m_2}} \right)$$
Answer :
$${m_3} < \left( {{m_1} + {m_2}} \right)$$
Solution :
In a nuclear fusion, when two light nuclei of different masses are combined to form a stable nucleus, then some mass is lost and appears in the form of energy, called the mass defect. So, the mass of resultant nucleus is always less than the sum of masses of initial nuclei i.e.,
$${m_3} < \left( {{m_1} + {m_2}} \right)$$