fusion

• What is nuclear fusion?

  Joining two lighter nuclei to form a larger nucleus
• What happens when two hydrogen nuclei fuse?

  They form helium-3 and release energy
• Why does fusion release large amounts of energy?

  Mass is converted to energy during fusion
• What is the equation that describes the energy conversion in fusion?

  Einstein's $E =$$mc^2$
• How is energy calculated from mass loss in fusion?

  Multiply mass loss by the speed of light squared
• What is the approximate value of the speed of light squared?

  About $9 \times 10^{16}$
• What is a significant advantage of nuclear fusion?

  It produces no radioactive waste
• What is needed for nuclear fusion to occur?

  High temperatures and pressures
• At what temperature does nuclear fusion occur?

  About 10 million degrees Celsius
• Why can't we currently perform nuclear fusion on Earth?

  It requires extremely high temperatures and pressures
• What is the difference between nuclear fusion and nuclear fission?

  Fusion fuses light nuclei; fission splits heavy nuclei
• What type of energy does nuclear fission produce compared to fusion?

  Less energy than nuclear fusion
• What is the primary use of nuclear fission on Earth?

  To generate electricity
• What are the key characteristics of nuclear fusion?

  • Fuses light nuclei to form heavier nuclei
  • Releases large amounts of energy
  • Occurs at high temperatures (10 million °C)
  • Produces no radioactive waste
  • Currently not feasible on Earth
• Compare nuclear fusion and nuclear fission.

  Nuclear Fusion:

  • Fuses light nuclei
  • Releases more energy
  • Occurs in stars

  
  

  Nuclear Fission:

  • Splits heavy nuclei
  • Releases less energy
  • Used for electricity generation on Earth