Nuclear fusion is the process by which the nuclei of two light atoms combine to form one heavier atomic nucleus with the release of a large amount of energy.

Here, two isotopes of hydrogen (hydrogen-2 (deuterium) and hydrogen-3 (tritium)) are fused together to form a helium nucleus and a single neutron.

Example
Write a nuclear equation to show the nuclear fusion reaction shown in the diagram above. Show Answer

This process occurs in the centre of the sun where both the temperature and pressure are incredibly high. Nuclear fusion where the sun’s energy comes from.

To get nuclei to fuse on Earth we need to produce plasmas with temperatures of 100 million ºC. (100,000,000 ºC)

Example
Explain why nuclear fusion can only occur at very high temperatures and pressures. This is to ensure that the nuclei are close together and moving at very high speeds so as to overcome the very strong repulsive force between the 2 nuclei (which are both positively charged). Show Answer

 

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Links
YouTube Video: Nuclear Fusion