What is nuclear fusion?
Nuclear fusion is the fusion (combining) 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.
Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.
Where does nuclear fusion occur?
In stars such as the Sun.
Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.
Why does fusion only happen at very high temperatures and pressures?
The two fusing nuclei will both be positively charged due their protons, so strongly repel each other.
A high temperature and pressure is required to overcome this electrostatic repulsion.
Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.
What is the main type of nuclear fusion that takes place in stars?
(what type of nuclei are involved and what do they produce?)
Fusion of two hydrogen nuclei to form a helium nucleus.
Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.
Does nuclear fusion produce radioactive waste?
No, nuclear fusion does not produce radioactive waste.
Only nuclear fission produces radioactive waste.
Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.
Nuclear fusion releases massive amounts of energy. Where does this energy come from?
Some of the mass of the two nuclei is converted into pure energy.
Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.
What happens to the binding energy per nucleon when undergoing nuclear fusion?
During nuclear fusion, the binding energy per nucleon increases.
This is because two lighter nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, which is more stable and has a higher binding energy per nucleon.
Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.