4.4.2 Nuclear Fusion

• What is nuclear fusion?

  The joining of two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus.
• What may occur during the process of nuclear fusion?

  Some of the mass may be converted into the energy of radiation.
• Nuclear fusion is the fusing of two lighter nuclei to make a single heavier nucleus. When this occurs, a lot of energy is emitted in the form of electromagnetic radiation.
• Nuclear fusion releases massive amounts of energy. Where does this energy come from?

  Some of the mass converting to energy.
• Nuclear fusion occurs in stars, and is the reason why stars give off so much energy. Most of the fusion occurring in stars is hydrogen nuclei fusing to become helium nuclei.
• Why does fusion only happen at very high temperatures and pressures?

  To overcome the repulsion of the positively charged nuclei.