In the core of a star, hydrogen nuclei combine in fusion reactions. Once the hydrogen has been exhausted, fusion of helium nuclei can occur. If the star is sufficiently massive, fusion of heavier and heavier nuclei can occur once the helium is used up. Consider a fusion reaction involving two nuclei with the same value of A. For this reaction to be exothermic, which of the following values of A are impossible? (a) 12 (b) 20 (c) 28 (d) 64

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In the core of a star, hydrogen nuclei combine in fusion reactions. Once the hydrogen has been exhausted, fusion of helium nuclei can occur. If the star is sufficiently massive, fusion of heavier and heavier nuclei can occur once the helium is used up. Consider a fusion reaction involving two nuclei with the same value of A. For this reaction to be exothermic, which of the following values of A are impossible? (a) 12 (b) 20 (c) 28 (d) 64

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