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Nuclear fission and fusion key terms
Study Nuclear fission and fusion with curriculum-aligned Key Terms resources, practice links, and exam-focused support.
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key terms
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Topic
Nuclear fission and fusion
Key terms
nuclear fusion
The process of joining two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.
energy source of stars
The mechanism by which stars produce energy through nuclear fusion reactions.
nuclear fusion
The process of joining two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.
high temperature
A condition necessary for nuclear fusion to occur, required to overcome electrostatic repulsion between nuclei.
nuclear fusion
The process of joining two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.
high pressure
A condition that increases the likelihood of nuclei colliding in fusion processes.
nuclear fusion
The process of joining two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.
electrostatic repulsion
The force that causes like charges to repel each other, which must be overcome for nuclear fusion to occur.
nuclear fusion
The process of joining two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.
nuclear fission
The process of splitting a large unstable nucleus into smaller nuclei, accompanied by the release of energy.
nuclear fusion
The process of joining two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.
energy source of stars
Nuclear fusion is the primary energy source that powers stars, including the Sun.
nuclear fusion
The process of joining two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.
high temperature
A condition required for nuclear fusion to overcome electrostatic repulsion between nuclei.
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