In the process of nuclear fusion

• A. Two or more nuclei fuse or stick together to form a heavier nucleus whose combined mass is slightly less than the original nuclei.
• B. Nuclei break apart releasing energy.
• C. Neutrons convert protons via beta decay.
• D. Electrons are stripped from atoms.

Answer: (A)

Fusion is when light nuclei come together to form a heavier nucleus. The key is that the resulting nucleus has a slightly smaller total mass than the sum of the original ones, and that “missing” mass is released as energy. This energy comes from the increased binding energy of the new nucleus, so the process radiates energy as light and particles—what powers stars like the Sun.

The other descriptions aren’t fusion. Breaking apart nuclei, or fission, releases energy but involves splitting heavy nuclei, not fusing light ones. Beta decay changes neutrons into protons and emits an electron, which is a different nuclear process. Stripping electrons from atoms is ionization, not a nuclear fusion event.