Which element is nuclear fusion least likely to produce?

• A. Oxygen (O)
• B. Iron (Fe)
• C. Carbon (C)
• D. Helium (He)

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that nuclear fusion is the process where lighter atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy if the resulting nucleus is lighter than iron (Fe).
2. Recall that fusion reactions release energy when moving from lighter elements up to elements around iron (Fe) on the periodic table, because iron has the highest binding energy per nucleon.
3. Recognize that elements lighter than iron, such as helium (He), carbon (C), and oxygen (O), can be produced by fusion processes in stars, as fusing these elements releases energy.
4. Note that fusing elements heavier than iron, like iron itself, does not release energy but instead requires energy input, making fusion of iron nuclei highly unlikely in natural stellar processes.
5. Conclude that nuclear fusion is least likely to produce iron (Fe) because it is at the peak of the binding energy curve, and fusion beyond this point is not energetically favorable.