6.4.4.2 Nuclear Fusion Flashcards
1
Q
What is nuclear fusion?
A
- joining of two light nuclei
- to form a heavier nucleus
2
Q
What does the heavier nucleus not have as much of?
A
- mass (compared to the nuclei)
3
Q
Why is the mass of the heavier nucleus less?
A
- some mass of lighter nuclei is converted into energy and released
4
Q
What does fusion release a lot more of compared to fission?
A
- energy for a given mass of fuel
5
Q
Why have scientists not found a way of using fusion to generate energy for us to use yet?
A
- temperatures and pressures needed are so high that reactors are really hard and expensive to build
