PARTICLES AND WAVES - Nuclear fusion

Question 1

Describe the process of nuclear fusion

Answer 1

is the process of combining two lighter nuclei to form a nucleus with a larger mass number. The mass number and atomic number are both conserved during the fusion reaction. When the nuclei combine they release energy. This type of energy takes place in the sun and also in a hydrogen bomb

Question 2

When nuclei fuse together …

Answer 2

the total mass after the fusion reaction is less than the total mass before the fusion reaction. This mass difference is called the mass defect

Question 3

A controlled fusion reaction can be achieved in ….

Answer 3

a device known as a Tokamak

Question 4

Describe Tokamak fusion

Answer 4

Hydrogen molecules are brought to extremely high temperatures of over 100 million kelvin. At these temps the hydrogen gas molecules separate into atoms, then into electrons and nuclei forming a plasma