Question 1: Nuclear fusion is the process that powers the Sun and other stars, where light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy. This process has the potential to provide a nearly limitless and clean energy source that could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Explain in your own words why fusion is considered environmentally friendly compared to fossil fuels.

Answer: Fusion produces energy by combining light nuclei, such as hydrogen isotopes, and releases minimal greenhouse gases or pollutants, making it a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels.

Question 2: Which of the following is a main advantage of nuclear fusion over nuclear fission?

Answer: Has a lower risk of nuclear accidents

Question 1: Define nuclear fusion and name the two isotopes of hydrogen most commonly used in fusion reactions.

Answer: Nuclear fusion is the process where two light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy. The isotopes are deuterium and tritium.

Question 2: Describe the main conditions necessary for nuclear fusion to occur.

Answer: High temperature (millions of degrees Celsius), high pressure, and sufficient confinement of the nuclei to overcome electrostatic repulsion.

Question 1: Using the fusion reaction: Deuterium (²H) + Tritium (³H) → Helium (⁴He) + Neutron (¹n), if 1 gram of deuterium reacts completely, how much energy is released? (Given: 1 mol of deuterium weighs 2 grams, and the energy released per reaction is approximately 17.6 MeV. Convert the energy to joules. (1 eV = 1.6 x 10⁻¹⁹ J)).

Answer: Approximately 3.3 x 10⁻¹¹ Joules

Question 1: Name two safety precautions that must be taken when working with experimental fusion reactors or plasma devices.

Answer: Using proper shielding to protect against radiation and maintaining high-temperature safety protocols.

Question 2: Identify one key variable that must be controlled in a fusion experiment and explain why.

Answer: Temperature, because extremely high temperatures are necessary for nuclei to overcome electrostatic repulsion and fuse.

Question 1: A fusion reactor produces 500 Megawatts of power continuously for 24 hours. Calculate the total energy produced in kilowatt-hours (kWh).

Answer: 12,000 kWh

Question 1: Explain how nuclear fusion could help reduce the impact of climate change if it becomes widely used as an energy source.

Answer: Nuclear fusion provides a clean, virtually limitless energy source that produces minimal greenhouse gases. Its widespread adoption could significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels, decrease air pollution, and help mitigate global warming effects.