Chapter 16, Problem 19RQ

How does the mass of a pair of atoms that have fused compare to the sum of their masses before fusion?

To determine

The reason for the mass of the pair of atoms that have fused compare to the sum of their masses before fusion.

Answer to Problem 19RQ

The mass of the resulting nucleus is less than the submission of the masses of light nuclei before the fusion process when two light nuclei fuse.

Explanation of Solution

The energy is released from an atom when two light nuclei fuse together, But according to the relation.

Write the expression of Einstein’s relation.

$E=m{c}^2$

Here,

$m$ is the mass

$c$ is the speed of the light

$E$ is released energy from the nuclei

This energy must have come from the difference in the mass of the light nuclei and the mass of the resulting nucleus

Conclusion:

Therefore, the mass of the resulting nucleus is less than the submission of the masses of light nuclei before the fusion process when two light nuclei fuse.