GCSE Science Physics – Nuclear Fusion
KEY STAGE 4 – GCSE Physics – Revision Guide
Then use this Revision Guide on Nuclear Fusion to remember all the Key Study Points in the Syllabus and get Full Marks in your GCSE Physics Exam.
What is Nuclear Fusion?
This occurs when two (smaller) nuclei fuse together to make a larger nuclei.
For example:
Hydrogen -1 (1 Proton)
fuses with
Hydrogen - 2 (1 Proton + 1 Neutron)
to make
Helium - 3 (2 Protons + 1 Neutron).
What happens when Nuclear Fusion occurs?
Nuclear Fusion causes energy to be released, so scientists have identified it as a potential source of energy.
However, due to ‘Electrostatic Repulsion’ the two nuclei do not ‘fuse’ readily.
For example:
If we want to ‘fuse’ a deuterium (2H) nucleus and a tritium (3H) nucleus together:
They are both Positively Charged and will repel each other due to “Electrostatic Repulsion”
Because of this, it takes a large amount of energy (in the form of heat and pressure) to force the nuclei together and create Nuclear Fusion.
So even though energy is released, it takes significant amount of energy to get to that point.
Nuclear Fusion as an energy Source
Nuclear Fusion is what stars use to keep burning bright, scientists are trying to replicate this reaction as a way of producing energy in power stations.
But, there are many hurdles still to overcome, for example:
High temperatures (and high pressures) needed for Nuclear Fusion require a lot of energy
The hot gasses released during the reaction can be dangerous and difficult to handle.
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