Determine the mass defect for the following atom. The mass of a 20 Ne atom is 19.992 44 amu.

I will not consider electronic mass here. We know (the masses should have been provided in the question!) that the neutron mass is

1.008701

⋅

amu

and the proton mass is

1.007316

⋅

amu

.

Explanation:

Question answered

answer is: nuclear fusion produces elements that are heavier than helium.

nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.  

for example, fusion of hydrogen atoms at the sun.  

this fusion nuclear reaction is in the inner core of the sun and hydrogen (atomic number 1) is conveted into helium (atomic number 2).  

the inner core is the central region of the sun and all solar energy is produced in the core by nuclear fusion.