Nuclear fusion

• What is nuclear fusion?

  Nuclear fusion is when two lighter nuclei join to form a single larger nucleus.
• What is an example of nuclear fusion involving hydrogen nuclei?

  Two hydrogen nuclei, hydrogen-1 and hydrogen-2, can fuse to form helium-3.
• Why does nuclear fusion release a large amount of energy?

  Because some of the mass of the original nuclei is converted to energy.
• What does the process of fusion fuel?

  Fusion fuels stars.
• How are elements heavier than hydrogen formed?

  They are formed through the process of nuclear fusion in stars.
• What happens to the mass of the helium nucleus formed during fusion?

  The helium nucleus is slightly lighter than the total mass of the two hydrogen nuclei.
• What is Einstein's famous equation related to energy conversion in fusion?

  The equation is $E =$$mc^2$.
• How do you calculate the energy released in fusion according to Einstein's equation?

  You multiply the mass lost 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 compared to other energy sources?

  Nuclear fusion does not produce any radioactive waste.
• What is required for nuclear fusion to occur?

  Very high temperatures and pressures, around 10 million degrees Celsius.
• Why can't we currently perform nuclear fusion on Earth?

  Because it requires extremely high temperatures and pressures.
• What is currently being researched regarding nuclear fusion?

  Experimental research is being conducted to discover how to achieve fusion on Earth.
• How does nuclear fusion differ from nuclear fission?

  Nuclear fusion fuses light nuclei to make heavier nuclei, while fission splits large unstable nuclei into smaller nuclei.
• What type of energy does nuclear fission produce compared to nuclear fusion?

  Nuclear fission produces energy, but not as much as nuclear fusion.
• What is the primary use of nuclear fission on Earth?

  Nuclear fission is used to generate electricity.
• What are the key characteristics of nuclear fusion?

  • Fuses lighter nuclei to form heavier nuclei
  • Releases large amounts of energy
  • Fuels stars
  • Does not produce radioactive waste
  • Requires high temperatures and pressures
• Compare nuclear fusion and nuclear fission in terms of their processes and energy output.

  Nuclear Fusion:

  • Fuses light nuclei
  • Releases tons of energy
  • Occurs in stars

  
  

  Nuclear Fission:

  • Splits large unstable nuclei
  • Produces energy, but less than fusion
  • Used on Earth for electricity generation