Fusion has a number of advantages over fission as a source of nuclear power: zz
There is more energy produced in a fusion reaction than is produced in a fission reaction.
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The hydrogen isotopes can be sourced easily from the ocean. They are not harmful. The nuclei created by fusion are not harmful.
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There is no possibility of an uncontrolled chain reaction.
Hydrogen isotopes need to be heated to a very high temperature to cause them to fuse. For this reason it has not yet been possible to develop a fusion reactor that can be used on a wide scale. If this technology can be developed, nuclear fusion could be the answer to our energy crisis.
Everyday meaning
Find out the everyday meaning of the words fission and fusion. See if you can identify a link between their everyday meaning and their use in physics.
Hydrogen
1. The isotopes of hydrogen that are used for nuclear fusion have mass numbers of 2 and 3. Calculate how many neutrons are contained in the nuclei of these isotopes. Compare this with the number of neutrons in a nucleus of the most common isotope of hydrogen on the periodic table.
2. When the two isotopes of hydrogen involved in fusion react, they combine to create one large nucleus. Work out the number of protons and neutrons in this new nucleus. Using the periodic table, name this newly produced nucleus.
Nuclear or not?
Imagine you are an adviser to the Irish government. Write a summary for the Taoiseach with the title ‘The pros and cons of building a nuclear power plant in Ireland’.
24.2 F
The International Thermonuclear
Experimental Reactor (ITER) project began in 2007 with the aim of building the world’s largest experimental fusion reactor in Cadarache, France. It is expected to begin fully functioning fusion reactions in 2027. So far it has cost over $50 billion to develop.
