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The matter that is "consumed" is converted into energy, according the the equation E=mc2.
The original matter mostly becomes the final matter, though a small amount is converted into heat. The amount converted into heat is small enough however, that the larger subatomic particles are all accounted for.
We could take as an example a fusion reaction in which a deuterium atom and a tritium atom are fused into helium. Deuterium and tritium are both isotopes of hydrogen, 2H and 3H respectively. The 2H nucleus consists of one proton and one neutron. The 3H nucleus consists of one proton and two neutrons. Each atom also has one electron. The total before fusion is two protons, two electrons, and three neutrons.
After the fusion takes place, the product is one helium atom, of the isotope 4He, plus one free neutron. The 4He atom has two protons and two neutrons, plus two electrons. Thus, the total of particles after fusion is two protons, two electrons, and three neutrons. In this case, however, the helium atom and the neutron are both very, very hot.
So the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons is the same after the reaction as it was before.
The equation on converting between energy and mass is E=mc2, as you know. The amount of energy released in the fusion example above is the difference between the mc2 before the reaction and the mc2 after the reaction. While this difference in mass is so small that it is not reflected in the counts of large subatomic particles, it is nonetheless there.
The masses, in Atomic Mass units, of the atoms and the neutron are:
at the beginning
2H - 2.014102
3H - 3.016049
which add to 5.030151
at the end
n - 1.008665
4He - 4.002602
which add to 5.011267
so the difference between the masses before and after the reaction is 0.018884 Atomic Mass units, which represents the amount of mass converted into energy in the reaction.
What else can I help you with?
What happens to matter consumed in nuclear fusion?
In nuclear fusion, matter is converted into energy according to Einstein's equation E=mc^2. The matter consumed is transformed into lighter elements like helium, releasing large amounts of energy in the process.
What happens when matter is pulled into a protostar?
When matter is pulled into a protostar, it heats up and increases in density. This process leads to the formation of a protostar as gravitational forces pull matter towards the center, eventually igniting nuclear fusion and forming a stable star.
Is nuclear fusion a gas liquid or solid?
Nuclear fusion is a process that occurs at extremely high temperatures and involves the merging of atomic nuclei to release energy. It is not in a specific state of matter like gas, liquid, or solid, as it involves the transformation of matter at the atomic level.
During nuclear fusion energy is released because some matter is actually converted to?
During nuclear fusion, energy is released because some matter is converted into energy according to Einstein's famous equation E=mc^2. This means that a small amount of matter is converted into a large amount of energy, contributing to the immense power output of fusion reactions.
Why doesn't earth make its on light?
Stars produce energy through nuclear fusion. Earth is not massive enough for this to work. Nor does it have lots of hydrogen and helium, i.e. nuclear fuel, for that matter.
What happens to matter consumed in nuclear fusion?
In nuclear fusion, matter is converted into energy according to Einstein's equation E=mc^2. The matter consumed is transformed into lighter elements like helium, releasing large amounts of energy in the process.
During nuclear fission and fusion, what is matter that seems to disappear actually converted into?
During nuclear fission and fusion, matter that seems to disappear is actually converted into energy.
A star turns matter into energy in the process of?
nuclear fusion
A star turns matter into energy in the process of what?
nuclear fusion
What star turns matter into energy in the process of....?
nuclear fusion
What is the process that A star turns matter into energy?
A nuclear reaction - either fusion or fission - is required to turn matter into energy.
What happens to matter when it is converted in a nuclear reaction?
In a nuclear reaction, matter is converted into energy.
The sun procudes energy from matter in its core through the process of what?
The sun produces energy from matter in its core through the process of nuclear fusion. This involves the fusion of hydrogen atoms to form helium, releasing a large amount of energy in the form of light and heat.
What happens when matter is pulled into a protostar?
When matter is pulled into a protostar, it heats up and increases in density. This process leads to the formation of a protostar as gravitational forces pull matter towards the center, eventually igniting nuclear fusion and forming a stable star.
Can something change from being matter to not being matter?
Yes. In nuclear processes like fusion and fission, some matter is converted into energy.
Two main forces in a star?
The two main forces in a star are gravity and nuclear fusion. Gravity pulls matter inward, compressing it and creating the high pressure and temperature needed for nuclear fusion to occur. Nuclear fusion releases energy as light and heat, which counteracts the force of gravity trying to collapse the star.
What is the energy inside matter is called?
The energy inside matter is called nuclear energy, which is stored in the nucleus of atoms. This energy can be released through processes such as nuclear fission or fusion.
