Nuclear Fusion

• Nuclear fusion has the potential to provide an almost unlimited supply of clean energy because hydrogen is cheap and plentiful.
• What is nuclear fusion?

  The process of combining two small nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy in the process.
• What is the form is the energy released as?

  Radiation
• The nuclei have to be moving really fast and have the same charge in order to join together
• When fusion occurs, some of the mass of the particles is converted into energy.
• What is the word equation for $E=$$mc^2$


  Energy = mass x speed of light ^2
• Mass can be converted into energy
• An example of fusion is hydrogen + hydrogen --> helium
• Where does fusion happen?

  The Sun
• Fusion reactions occur in stars where two hydrogen nuclei fuse together under high temperatures and pressure
• A little bit of mass (too small to measure) can create a lot of energy
• Scientists can use a fusion reactor to make fusion happen on Earth
• Why is it difficult to get fusion to happen on Earth?

  the temperature and the pressure isn't high enough
• What are the environmental advantages of fusion?

  It doesn't release any greenhouse gases and there is no nuclear waste
• Why is fusion not yet a viable source of energy?

  You put in more energy than you receive
• A nucleus has a positive charge
• Why does fusion only happen at very high temperatures?

  In order to overcome the repulsion of the positives