Question

Choose the correct option for solar energy is due to:

• A. Chemical reaction
• B. Combustion reaction
• C. Nuclear fission reaction
• D. Nuclear fusion reaction

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Nuclear fusion reaction

The explanation for the correct option:

1. Nuclear fusion is when two or more atomic nuclei fuse to form a single heavier nucleus. In the reaction, the matter is not conserved because some of the mass of the fusing nuclei is converted to energy.
2. Solar energy is produced by the sun itself via a process of nuclear fusion where the fusion occurs in the core of the sun.
3. Due to the extreme temperature and pressure in the sun, the nuclei of hydrogen atoms fuse.

Hence, option (D) is correct.

The explanation for incorrect options:

1. In the case of option A, the occurrence of solar energy is due to nuclear reaction, more specifically nuclear fusion. The main difference between nuclear and chemical reactions is that nuclear reaction occurs inside the nucleus of an atom whereas the latter occurs outside the nucleus of an atom.
2. In the case of option B, combustion is a kind of exothermic chemical reaction that involves the burning of a combustible substance, at a high temperature.
3. In the case of option C, nuclear fission is the process of splitting the nuclei which result in the production of radioactive elements along with a huge amount of energy.

Hence, options (A), (B), and (C) are incorrect.