Question 1: Explain the basic principle of nuclear fusion and how it differs from nuclear fission.

Answer: Nuclear fusion is the process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy. It differs from fission, where a heavy nucleus splits into lighter nuclei, also releasing energy.

Question 1: Describe the conditions necessary for nuclear fusion to occur in a laboratory setting.

Answer: High temperature (millions of degrees Celsius), high pressure to force nuclei close together, and sufficient energy to overcome electrostatic repulsion.

Question 1: A deuterium-tritium fusion reaction releases 17.6 MeV of energy per reaction. Calculate the total energy released when 1 mole of deuterium reacts with 1 mole of tritium. (Use Avogadro's number: 6.022×10^23).

Answer: Total energy = number of reactions × energy per reaction. Number of reactions in 1 mol = 6.022×10^23. Convert MeV to Joules: 1 MeV = 1.602×10^-13 J. Total energy = 6.022×10^23 × 17.6 × 1.602×10^-13 J ≈ 1.70×10^12 Joules.

Question 1: Identify three key safety precautions that must be considered in a fusion reactor experiment.

Answer: Protection from high radiation levels, containment of hot plasma to prevent burns or damage, and proper handling of radioactive materials.

Question 1: A fusion reactor produces an energy output of 3×10^12 Joules per day. If the reactor operates continuously for 30 days, what is the total energy produced? Show your calculation.

Answer: Total energy = 3×10^12 J/day × 30 days = 9×10^13 Joules.

Question 1: Explain why achieving controlled nuclear fusion on Earth is challenging and list two technological solutions currently being researched.

Answer: Controlled nuclear fusion is challenging due to the extremely high temperatures and pressures required to sustain fusion reactions, which are difficult to produce and maintain safely. Additionally, containing the hot plasma without energy loss is complex. Two solutions being researched are magnetic confinement in tokamaks and inertial confinement using laser pulses.

Question 1: Discuss the potential advantages of nuclear fusion over current nuclear fission reactors in terms of safety, fuel availability, and environmental impact.

Answer: Nuclear fusion produces less long-lived radioactive waste, has a lower risk of runaway reactions, and uses abundant fuels like deuterium and tritium, making it safer and more sustainable than fission reactors. It also emits no greenhouse gases during operation.