Nuclear Fusion Flashcards

All 6 cards in this deck

What is nuclear fusion?

Two small nuclei joining together to create a larger nucleus, with a release of energy.

Where does the energy released in nuclear fusion come from?

The new nucleus has less mass than the two small nuclei combined; this lost mass is released as energy.

What is the energy source of stars such as the Sun?

Nuclear fusion — hydrogen nuclei fusing to form helium.

What is the difference between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion?

Fission is a large nucleus splitting into two smaller nuclei; fusion is two small nuclei joining to make a larger one.

True or false? Both nuclear fission and nuclear fusion release energy.

True. Both involve a loss of mass that appears as energy.

True or false? Fusion is the reaction used in nuclear power stations today.

False. Power stations use fission; no practical fusion power station exists yet.