NUCLEAR

Question 1

What is ‘Nuclear Fusion’?

Answer 1

• The joining of smaller atomic nuclei

Question 2

How does ‘Nuclear Fusion’ take place?

Answer 2

• Two light nuclei collide at high speed and join to create a large nucleus

Question 3

Describe what ‘Nuclear Fusion’ releases

Answer 3

• Fusion releases a lot of energy
• All the energy released in stars comes from fusion
• Releases MORE energy than FISSION for a given mass

Question 4

Does ‘Nuclear Fusion’ leave behind radioactive waste?

Answer 4

• No, so there is plenty of hydrogen knocking about to be used as fuel

Question 5

When does ‘Nuclear Fusion’ take place?

Answer 5

• At really high pressures and temperatures

- It does not happen at low temp or pressure due to the electrostatic replusion of protons

Question 6

Why are ‘Fusion’ reactors difficult to build?

Answer 6

• Because it is very hard to create the right conditions as no material can withstand that kind of temperature