Chapter 40, Problem 42A

To determine

Whether the mass of initial hydrogen isotope or its fusion products in the nuclear fusion.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Nuclear fusion is the reaction in which two light nuclei forms a huge nucleus by combining each other. The loss of mass occurs in the nuclear fusion reaction.

The initial hydrogen isotope has more mass than its products because some mass of the nucleus changes into energy in the nuclear fusion reaction.

Conclusion:

Thus, the initial hydrogen isotope has more mass than its products.