Key Stage 4
Meaning
Nuclear fusion is a process in which two small atomic nuclei join together to become a larger nucleus.
About Nuclear Fusion
- For a fusion reaction to occur the two nuclei must have enough kinetic energy to overcome the electrostatic force of repulsion between the positively charged nuclei.
- To provide enough kinetic energy to the nuclei the substance must be heated to a temperature of several million degrees Celsius.
- Nuclear fusion occurs naturally in the centre of a Star due to the high temperatures and pressure.
- Nuclear fusion is possible in laboratories on Earth but it cannot be sustained for long periods of time to produce enough energy to be useful as an energy resource.
- Nuclear fusion in laboratories on Earth must be done at much higher temperature than in the centre of Stars because the centre of Stars is a much higher pressure so nuclei collide more often.