The origin of the Sun’s energy is the conversion of hydrogen to helium - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 11 - 2003 - Paper 1
Question 11
The origin of the Sun’s energy is the conversion of hydrogen to helium.
$$^4H \rightarrow ^4He$$
The relative isotopic mass of $$^4He$$ is 4.00260. However, the su... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The origin of the Sun’s energy is the conversion of hydrogen to helium - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 11 - 2003 - Paper 1
Step 1
A. a measure of the energy absorbed when four $$^1H$$ are converted to one $$^4He$$.
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Answer
This option implies the energy is absorbed during the fusion process, which does not align with the nature of nuclear fusion that releases energy.
Step 2
B. due to the loss of two electrons when four $$^1H$$ are converted to one $$^4He$$.
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This is incorrect as hydrogen nuclei (protons) do not lose electrons in the fusion process to form helium.
Step 3
C. a measure of the energy released when four $$^1H$$ are converted to one $$^4He$$.
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Correct. The mass difference in fusion reactions is converted to energy, as described by Einstein's equation E=mc2.
Step 4
D. equal to the mass of the two positrons produced when four $$^1H$$ are converted to one $$^4He$$.
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This option contains some truth since positrons are indeed emitted in the process, but it oversimplifies the total energy accounting involved.
