Consider the three equations below.

Superscript 14 subscript 7 upper N plus superscript 1 subscript 1 upper H right arrow superscript 15 subscript 8 upper O.
Superscript 4 subscript 2 upper H e plus superscript 4 subscript 2 upper H e right arrow superscript 8 subscript 4 upper B e.
Superscript 28 subscript 14 upper S i plus 7 superscript 4 subscript 2 upper H e right arrow superscript 56 subscript 28 upper N i.

Which statement do these reactions best support?
Beta decay occurs only in certain atoms.
Alpha decay occurs only in certain atoms.
Chain reactions play important roles in the process of nuclear fission.
Nuclear fusion plays an important role in making elements that are heavier than helium.

Nuclear fusion plays an important role in making elements that are heavier than helium.

Explanation:

Nucleosynthesis is the process by which new atomic nuclei are created from pre-existing nucleons (protons and neutrons) and nuclei. According to current theories, the first nuclei were formed a few minutes after the Big Bang, through nuclear reactions in a process called Big Bang nucleosynthesis.

In order to synthesize a new element, there must be a change in the number of protons. We should remember that elements are known by the number of their protons as it represents their atomic number.

Elements heavier than helium are formed by nuclear nucleosynthesis in which nuclear fusion plays a very crucial role as typified by the equations shown in the question.