Nuclear fission and fusion

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What is nuclear fusion?
It is the process of forcing two nuclei close enough so they form a single larger nucleus.
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Where does fusion happen in nature?
Energy is released when two light nuclei are fused together. Nuclear fusion in the sun's core releases energy.
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Why can we not use nuclear fusion as an energy resource on Earth?
Because the fusion reactor needs to be at a very high temperature befor nuclear fusion can take place.
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What is a plasma and why is it difficult for us to create and sustain one on Earth?
It is a high energy gas stripped of electrons. Too difficult to get the high level of energy and pressure needed.
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What conditions need to be met for nuclear fusion to take place ?
A very high temperature, a very high pressure, a very high current and plasma contained by a magnetic field.
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What happens if these conditions are not met ?
If the conditions aren't met the nuclei to be e difficult to contain, and so a reaction cannot take place.
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What are the advantages of nuclear fusion, over nuclear fission as an energy resource?
Fuel is easily available, the product is a non toxic gas and energy release can make clean energy.
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What are the steps of nuclear fusion that happen in the stars?
Two protons fuse together and create a heavy hydrogen nucleus. Two more particles collide separate with two 2,1 H and then turn them into a heavier nucleus. The two heavier nuclei form helium nucleus 4,2 He.
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The same as the card no.8 question.
Energy is released and is carried away as kinetic energy of the product nucleus and other particles emitted.
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What is nuclear fission?
Is the splitting of a nucleus into two approximately equal fragments and the release of two or three neutrons ans energy.
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Which two radioactive isotopes do we use in nuclear reactors?
Uranium -235 and plutonium -
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Where does fusion happen in nature?

Back

Energy is released when two light nuclei are fused together. Nuclear fusion in the sun's core releases energy.

Card 3

Front

Why can we not use nuclear fusion as an energy resource on Earth?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

What is a plasma and why is it difficult for us to create and sustain one on Earth?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

What conditions need to be met for nuclear fusion to take place ?

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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