4.4.2 - Nuclear Fusion

What is nuclear fusion?

The joining of two light nuclei to produce a heavier nuclei and release energy.

Name two isotopes of hydrogen which are commonly used in nuclear fusion.

Deuterium and Tritium

Which releases more energy, nuclear fission or nuclear fusion?

nuclear fusion

Explain the difficulty of generating energy through nuclear fusion.

Fusion requires very high temperatures which in itself requires large quantities of energy and also requires casing which can withstand them.

Explain why nuclear fusion is currently not a viable way to produce energy on Earth.

With current equipment/techniques, the energy required is greater than the energy produced, resulting in a net energy loss.