1. Fusion Flashcards
1
Q
What happens during nuclear fusion?
A
Small nuclei fuse together to form larger nuclei
Energy is released and a neutron
2
Q
Is fusion the energy source for stars?
A
Yes
3
Q
What are the similarities between fusion and fission?
A
- both release neutrons
- collisions involved
- release energy
- begin with daughter nuclei
4
Q
What are differences between fusion and fission?
A
- fission can cause a chain reaction
- fusion occurs in stars
- fusion is when two nuclei collide, fission is when a nucleus splits
- different numbers of neutrons are released (fusion releases only 1 neutron)
- fusion is with small nuclei + fission is with large ones
5
Q
Why is it difficult to fuse two nuclei together?
A
- nuclei are positively charged
6
Q
What are the conditions required for nuclear fusion?
A
- high temps and high pressures
- this mean that the nuclei are moving fast enough to ->
- to overcome repulsive forces between (positive) nuclei + force them together
7
Q
What are the energy transfers in fusion?
A
- energy radiated away from stars is stored as nuclear energy of protons and nuclei in the star
- nuclear fusion transfers this into kinetic energy of nuclei (and transferred by radiation)
