If in a nuclear fusion process the masses of the fusing nuclei be m1 and m2 and the mass of the resultant nucleus be m3, then
- m3 = m1 + m2
- m3 = |m1 - m2|
- m3 < (m1 + m2)
- m3 > (m1 + m2)
Answer
(3) m3 < (m1 + m2)
Solution
In fusion, energy is released: Q = [(m1 + m2) - m3]c2 > 0
m3 < (m1 + m2); the mass difference appears as the released energy.
Answer: (3)