Nuclear fusion: Atomic structure: Physics: GCSE (9:1)

Cards (10)

Nuclear fusion 
The joining of two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus
Fusion products 
A heavier nucleus and energy in the form of gamma rays
Spontaneous fusion 
Occurs in stars when two hydrogen nuclei fuse together to form a nucleus of helium
Conditions required for fusion
Very high temperatures and pressure
Mass-energy conversion 
When some of the mass of the fusing particles is converted into the energy of the emitted radiation
repulsion 
it requires the fusing of nuclei, which are positive particles; two positive charges repel each other
What happens when two nuclei approach each other
They repel each other because they have the same charge
How to overcome nuclei repulsion
Fusion has to happen under intense pressure and very high temperatures in order to force the nuclei together
Advantages of fusion over fission
There are no radioactive waste products from fusion
Disadvantages of fusion over fission
The very high temperatures and pressures required for fusion makes it very difficult to build a viable power station