Thermonuclear Reactions Release Energy Because the Product (Ash)nucleus

Multiple Choice

Thermonuclear reactions release energy because the product (ash) nucleus:

A) contains fewer protons than the original (fuel) nucleus since these protons have been converted into energy.
B) is more tightly bound than the original (fuel) nucleus.
C) is less tightly bound than the original (fuel) nucleus.
D) is moving faster than the original (fuel) nucleus, and the excess kinetic energy shows up as heat.