Here's why:
* Energy is released: Fusion reactions release a tremendous amount of energy. This energy is a direct consequence of the conversion of some of the mass of the reactants into energy.
* Einstein's famous equation: This is explained by Einstein's famous equation, E=mc², which states that energy (E) and mass (m) are equivalent and can be converted into one another. The speed of light (c) is a constant that relates these two quantities.
* Mass defect: The difference in mass between the reactants and products is known as the "mass defect." This lost mass is converted into energy that is released during the fusion process.
Example:
In the fusion reaction of deuterium (²H) and tritium (³H) to form helium (⁴He) and a neutron (¹n), the mass of the helium and neutron combined is slightly less than the mass of the deuterium and tritium combined. This mass difference is converted into a massive amount of energy, as observed in the hydrogen bomb.
