To know what is nuclear fusion
Grade C
To describe nuclear fusion
Grade B
To be able explain where the Sun’s energy
comes fromGrade A
Nuclear Fusion
So far we have studied Nuclear Fission – where atoms were split to release energy.
Nuclear Fusion – is the joining of atoms to make heavier ones.
To know what is nuclear fusion
Grade C
To describe nuclear fusionGrade B
To be able explain where the Sun’s energy comes
fromGrade A
Nuclear Fusion
Could a glass of water provide the same amount of energy as a tanker of petrol?
To know what is nuclear fusion
Grade C
To describe nuclear fusionGrade B
To be able explain where the Sun’s energy comes
fromGrade A
Fusion
The Sun releases energy by fusion
The Sun is made up of 75% Hydrogen and 25% Helium
The Core is so hot – it consists of Plasma of bare nuclei with no electrons.
In the 100 000 000oC plasma of a fusion reactor the protons and neutrons are separate and whiz about
Fusion
H + H H + p1 1 2 0
1 1 1 1
Protons join together releasing energy
The nuclear reaction turns a proton into a neutron
The reaction forms ‘Heavy Hydrogen’.
Fusion
Fusion
Summary
= neutron
= proton
H2
1
H1
1
He3
2
He4
2
The Energy at each stage is carried away as Kinetic
Energy.
Nuclear Fusion
Could a glass of water provide the same amount of energy as a tanker of petrol?
To know what is nuclear fusion
Grade C
To describe nuclear fusionGrade B
To be able explain where the Sun’s energy comes
fromGrade A
Yes – if we could make a fusion reactor here on Earth
Nuclear Fusion Reactor
Problems:
-The Plasma of light nuclei must be heated to very high temperatures (this is because you need to overcome
the repulsion of two positive nuclei).
To know what is nuclear fusion
Grade C
To describe nuclear fusionGrade B
To be able explain where the Sun’s energy comes
fromGrade A
Nuclear Fusion Reactor
Solutions:
-Heated – via electrical currents-Contained using a magnetic field – so doesn’t touch
the walls of the reactor.
To know what is nuclear fusion
Grade C
To describe nuclear fusionGrade B
To be able explain where the Sun’s energy comes
fromGrade A
1.Describe carefully what happens to a nucleus during fusion.
2.Why does the plasma need to be hot? How is it contained?
3.Extension; Do you think nuclear fusion is a good source of energy. Evaluate the pros and cons.
4.Rebecca bonus; Do you think governments are right to spend money on purely scientific research e.g. space missions? Explain
Are you now able to….
I still feel unsure. I need some more help to understand.
I feel ok. I need to do some more work to check my understanding.
I am happy and feel I understand and can explain the main points.
To know what is nuclear fusion
Grade C
To describe nuclear fusion
Grade B
To be able explain where the Sun’s energy
comes fromGrade A
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