Nucleus: Practice Problem & Solution

Solution Explained:

To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Nucleus. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:

Nuclear fusion is an exothermic process where energy is released. This energy is obtained at the expense of mass (mass defect). Thus, the mass of the resultant nucleus $m_3$ must be less than the sum of the masses of the fusing nuclei, $m_1 + m_2$.