Nuclear Fusion in Stars

Steps:

• Recall that nuclear fusion combines light atomic nuclei to form heavier ones, releasing energy.
• Evaluate option A: Fusion requires extreme heat, not low temperatures.
• Evaluate option B: Fusion involves light nuclei, like hydrogen, not heavy ones.
• Evaluate option C: Stars form and shine via fusion of hydrogen into helium.
• Evaluate option D: Electricity stations use fission, not fusion.

Why C is correct:

• Stars form through gravitational collapse, igniting fusion reactions that power their luminosity, as described by the proton-proton chain in stellar nucleosynthesis.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Fusion needs temperatures over 10 million Kelvin to overcome electrostatic repulsion.
• B: Heavy nuclei fuse in rare events like supernovae, but typical fusion is between light elements.
• D: Most power plants rely on nuclear fission of uranium, with fusion still experimental.

Final answer: C