Question

In the sun, hydrogen (H) nuclei (protons) combine to form helium (He) during nuclear fusion. The total mass of the He that is formed is less than the mass of the H atoms used and in the process, energy is released. Which statement explains the relationship between mass and energy in nuclear fusion? Energy has been converted into mass. Mass has been converted into energy. Mass and energy have been created. Mass and energy have been absorbed.

Answer 1

Mass has been converted into energy.

How much energy do you get from 'm' kilograms of mass ?

==> E = m c²

Answer 2

Mass has been converted into energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

An object loses mass through a phenomenon known as mass defect. In nuclear physics, mass defect occurs when part of a nucleus disintegrates and is converted into energy. This mass defect is sometimes called fission or decay.

The concept was first proposed by Albert Einstein who related the mass, light and energy by this equation:

`E = mC^(2)`

where m = mass lost

C = speed of light (3 × 10⁸ m/s)

This is the energy equation for calculating mass defect.

Therefore, the sun has less mass as a result of mass defect.