Fusion Energy Feasibility and Challenges

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which of the following is the most critical factor in determining the feasibility of using fusion as a future energy source?

The availability of advanced diagnostic tools for monitoring plasma behavior.
The ability to consistently achieve and maintain the necessary plasma temperature and density. (correct)
The optimization of magnetic confinement geometries.
The development of robust materials capable of withstanding high neutron flux.

Why is tritium breeding considered a crucial aspect of deuterium-tritium fusion reactors?

Tritium is a naturally abundant isotope that must be extracted directly from seawater.
Tritium enhances the stability of the plasma, preventing disruptions.
Tritium is more efficient in fusion reactions than deuterium.
Tritium is radioactive and expensive to produce, requiring it to be generated within the reactor. (correct)

Which method is primarily used to confine plasma in a tokamak fusion reactor?

Inertial confinement
Gravitational forces
Magnetic fields (correct)
Electrostatic fields

What is a major challenge associated with the high neutron flux produced in deuterium-tritium fusion reactors?

It induces radioactivity in the reactor materials, complicating waste disposal. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In inertial confinement fusion (ICF), what is the primary method used to compress and heat the fuel?

Intense laser beams or particle beams (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following diagnostic techniques is most commonly used to measure the temperature of plasma in a fusion reactor?

X-ray spectroscopy (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the 'divertor' in a tokamak reactor?

To remove heat and impurities from the plasma. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to minimize plasma instabilities in a fusion reactor?

Instabilities can cause the plasma to lose confinement and damage the reactor walls. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What role do neutral beams play in fusion research?

Heating the plasma to fusion temperatures. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the 'Lawson criterion' in the context of fusion energy?

A condition for achieving self-sustaining fusion reactions, relating plasma density, temperature, and confinement time. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is a Computer Program?

A sequence of instructions that a computer can interpret and execute.

What is Programming?

The process of designing, writing, testing, debugging, and maintaining the source code of computer programs.

What is a Variable?

A symbolic name that holds a value. Variables can store different types of data, such as numbers, strings, and objects.