Question

Why are neutrons an important part of nuclear fusion in the sun? (Hint: Think of Einstein's equation!) How can two protons become a proton and a neutron? (Remember what we learned the second week):

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

1 Nuclear Fusion reactions power the Sun and other stars. In a fusion reaction, two light nuclei merge to form a single heavier nucleus. The process releases energy because the total mass of the resulting single nucleus is less than the mass of the two original nuclei. The leftover mass becomes energy. Einstein’s equation (E=mc2), which says in part that mass and energy can be converted into each other, explains why this process occurs. If scientists develop a way to harness energy from fusion in machines on Earth, it could be an important method of energy production.

2. A Hydrogen atom contains one Proton and zero Neutrons. When two Hydrogen nuclei collide, one of the Protons undergoes a type of radioactive decay called Beta-plus Decay, where a proton transforms into a neutron. This happens when there are too many protons in the nucleus, because the positive protons repel each other.