Referring to Section 31-3,
(a) Why can small nuclei combine to form larger ones, releasing energy in the process?
(b) Why does the first reaction in the proton-proton chain limit the rate at which the Sun produces energy?
(c) What are the heaviest elements for which energy is released if the elements are created by fusion of lighter elements?
(d) What keeps the Sun and stars together, allowing them to sustain fusion?
(e) What two methods are currently being investigated to contain high-temperature plasmas on the Earth to create fusion in the laboratory?