11: Nuclear Radiation

Question 1

Explain the conditions necessary for nuclear fusion.

Answer 1

Very high temperatures, to overcome electrostatic repulsion between nuclei.

High density, to maintain large collision rate.

Material needs to be a plasma

Question 2

Explain the conditions required to bring about and maintain nuclear fusion in stars

Answer 2

• requires a very high temperature
• nuclei all have positive charge leading to a repulsive force between nuclei
• at high temps nuclei have high kinetic energy sufficient to overcome repulsion
• nuclei must get close enough to fuse (strong force)
• collision rate must be high enough to sustain fusion