Question

Every time a fusion reaction occurs on the sun, which of the following does not occur?

a) Release of energy
b) Formation of heavier elements
c) Emission of light and heat
d) Decrease in solar mass

Answer 1

In solar nuclear fusion, energy, light, and heavier elements are produced, while solar mass actually decreases, not increases, contrary to option (d).

Step-by-step explanation:

During the process of nuclear fusion on the Sun, energy is generated by the combination of light atomic nuclei into heavier nuclei, a process that involves multiple steps and intermediate particles such as deuterium and helium. The vast energy released includes light (photons) and heat, contributing to the Sun's luminosity. However, contrary to what might be assumed, solar mass actually decreases instead of increasing during nuclear fusion. This is due to the fact that the mass of the resultant nucleus is less than the combined mass of the original particles, and the lost mass is transformed into energy, according to Einstein's equation E=mc². Consequently, every time a fusion reaction occurs on the Sun, option (d) Decrease in solar mass is what does not occur.