Lesson Objectives Nuclear Fusion Keywords: proton; neutron; fusion; hydrogen; helium To know what is nuclear fusion Grade C To describe nuclear fusion Grade B To be able explain where the Sun’s energy comes from Grade 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. Keywords: proton; neutron; fusion; hydrogen; helium To know what is nuclear fusion Grade C To describe nuclear fusion Grade B To be able explain where the Sun’s energy comes from Grade A

Nuclear Fusion Could a glass of water provide the same amount of energy as a tanker of petrol? Keywords: proton; neutron; fusion; hydrogen; helium To know what is nuclear fusion Grade C To describe nuclear fusion Grade B To be able explain where the Sun’s energy comes from Grade 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 o C plasma of a fusion reactor the protons and neutrons are separate and whiz about Fusion

H + H  H + p Protons join together releasing energy The nuclear reaction turns a proton into a neutron The reaction forms ‘Heavy Hydrogen’. Fusion

Another proton binds Fusion H + H  He

Two heavier nuclei collide – form helium nucleus Fusion He + He  He + p + p

Fusion Summary = neutron = proton H 2121 H 1111 He 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? Keywords: proton; neutron; fusion; hydrogen; helium To know what is nuclear fusion Grade C To describe nuclear fusion Grade B To be able explain where the Sun’s energy comes from Grade 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). Keywords: proton; neutron; fusion; hydrogen; helium To know what is nuclear fusion Grade C To describe nuclear fusion Grade B To be able explain where the Sun’s energy comes from Grade A

Nuclear Fusion Reactor Solutions: -Heated – via electrical currents -Contained using a magnetic field – so doesn’t touch the walls of the reactor. Keywords: proton; neutron; fusion; hydrogen; helium To know what is nuclear fusion Grade C To describe nuclear fusion Grade B To be able explain where the Sun’s energy comes from Grade 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. Keywords: proton; neutron; fusion; hydrogen; helium To know what is nuclear fusion Grade C To describe nuclear fusion Grade B To be able explain where the Sun’s energy comes from Grade A