What type of process is fusion in scientific terms?

Fusion, in scientific terms, refers to the process where two or more light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. This process inherently results in the formation of a new substance, as the original particles are transformed into a different entity with distinct properties.

A classic example of fusion is the reaction that powers the sun, where hydrogen nuclei fuse to create helium, accompanied by the release of energy. Hence, the nature of fusion as a process involves the combination of elements leading to a new substance.

Understanding fusion as a combination process is crucial in various fields, particularly in astrophysics and nuclear physics, where the creation of heavier elements or different molecules through fusion is foundational to the understanding of energy production in stars and artificial nuclear reactions on Earth.