During nuclear fusion, what fundamentally happens?

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1. During nuclear fusion, what fundamentally happens?

A heavy nucleus spontaneously breaks into two lighter fragments

A light nucleus, bombarded by thermal neutrons, breaks apart

Light nuclei combine together, forming a heavier nucleus and possibly other products

None of the above describes fusion

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Fusion is the opposite of fission — instead of splitting, light nuclei merge together under extreme conditions, forming a heavier nucleus and releasing energy.