Nuclear fusion involves which of the following processes?

Nuclear fusion is the process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a significant amount of energy in the process. This is the fundamental reaction that powers stars, including our Sun. When two hydrogen isotopes, for example, come together, they create a heavier helium nucleus along with energy in the form of radiation.

This process differs from other nuclear reactions, such as fission, where a heavy nucleus breaks apart into smaller fragments, or the absorption of neutrons, which typically occurs in fission reactions rather than fusion. Additionally, while the emission of gamma rays is a feature of radioactive decay, it is not directly related to the fusion process. Fusion specifically focuses on the joining of nuclei, leading to the formation of a larger nucleus and the release of energy.