Fusion is defined as

Fusion is defined as

• A. The processes of merging two elements together to form a single heavier one.
• B. The splitting of heavy atomic nuclei to release energy.
• C. The gathering of energy from sunlight.
• D. The conversion of energy from motion into electricity.

Answer: (A)

Nuclear fusion is the process where two light atomic nuclei come together to form a single heavier nucleus, releasing energy in the process. When the nuclei fuse, some mass is converted into energy, which is why fusion can yield vast amounts of energy. This is the mechanism behind how stars shine, with light elements like hydrogen fusing to form helium under extreme temperatures and pressures. The other options describe different processes: splitting heavy nuclei is fission, gathering energy from sunlight is solar energy, and converting energy from motion into electricity is typical of generators or kinetic energy conversion—none of these describe fusion.

Nuclear fusion is the process where two light atomic nuclei come together to form a single heavier nucleus, releasing energy in the process. When the nuclei fuse, some mass is converted into energy, which is why fusion can yield vast amounts of energy. This is the mechanism behind how stars shine, with light elements like hydrogen fusing to form helium under extreme temperatures and pressures. The other options describe different processes: splitting heavy nuclei is fission, gathering energy from sunlight is solar energy, and converting energy from motion into electricity is typical of generators or kinetic energy conversion—none of these describe fusion.