Nuclear Fusion Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is fusion and how does it differ from fission?

Fusion is the process in which light nuclei combine to release energy, while fission is the process in which a neutron splits a nucleus to release energy.

Why is it more difficult to achieve fusion compared to fission?

It is more difficult to achieve fusion because two positively charged nuclei must be brought together to fuse, requiring energy to overcome the repulsive Coulomb forces.

Are fusion reactions exothermic or endothermic?

Fusion reactions are exothermic, as they result in the release of energy.

Explain the difference between fusion and fission in terms of the process and the type of nuclei involved.

Fusion involves the combination of light nuclei to release energy, while fission is the splitting of heavy nuclei by the impact of an uncharged particle (neutron), also resulting in the release of energy. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it more difficult to achieve fusion compared to fission?

It is more difficult to achieve fusion because two positively charged nuclei must be brought together to fuse, requiring energy to overcome the repulsive Coulomb forces. Signup and view all the answers

Are fusion reactions exothermic or endothermic?

Fusion reactions are exothermic, as they result in the release of energy when light nuclei combine. Signup and view all the answers

What is the energy release associated with fusion and how does it compare to fission?

The energy release associated with fusion is approximately 17.6 MeV, which is greater per unit mass compared to fission. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the process of fusion and the resulting elements.

Fusion involves bringing together light elements to form heavier elements, which have slightly less mass than the fusing elements. This mass difference results in the release of energy. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the energy gain per unit mass in fusion and its significance.

The energy gain per unit mass is greater for fusion, which results in the release of energy. This is significant in understanding the potential of fusion as an energy source. Signup and view all the answers

What is the energy release associated with fusion and how does it compare to fission?

The energy release associated with fusion is approximately 17.6 MeV, which is greater than the energy release from fission reactions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the energy gain per unit mass in fusion?

The significance of the energy gain per unit mass in fusion is that it is greater than that of fission, making fusion a potentially more efficient and powerful source of energy. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the process of fusion and the resulting elements.

In fusion, light elements are brought together to fuse and form heavier elements. The resulting heavier elements have slightly less mass than the fusing elements, and the mass difference results in the release of energy. Signup and view all the answers

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