Question

Two atoms of helium-3 (atomic mass = 3) collide in a fusion reaction to produce a single atom of helium-4 (atomic mass = 4). What might be another product of this reaction?

• A. A neutron
• B. A proton
• C. Two electrons
• D. A proton and a neutron
• E. Two protons

Answer 1

The correct option is E Two protons

${}_2^{3}He+{}_2^{3}He⟶{}_2^{4}He+[?]$

No. of protons on LHS = 4

No. of protons on LHS = 2 $.\}$ No change in neutrons.

No. of neutrons on RHS = 2

No. of protons known as RHS = 2

$\therefore$The Unknown product is '2 protons'.