4.4.4.2 - Nuclear fusion

What is nuclear fusion?

Refers to the joining of two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus

How does clear fusion occur?

When two light nuclei collide at high speeds and fuse to create a larger, heavier nucleus

E.g two hydrogen nuclei = helium nucleus

What does the heavier nucleus not have as much of as the two pervious two light nuclei?

The heavier nucleus not have as much mass as the two separate, lighter nuclei did.

Why does the heavier nucleus not have as much mass? (so why is mass lost)

This occurs as some of the mass of the lighter nuclei is converted into energy and released (as radiation)

Does fission or fusion release more energy?

Fusion released more energy than fission

Are fusion reactors common?

No - scientists actually haven’t found a way of using fusion to generate energy for us to use

Why is it so difficult to use fusion to generate energy for us to use?

The temperatures and pressures needed for nuclear fusion are so high that fusion reactors are incredibly expensive to build