Question detail

Why is high temperature necessary for nuclear fusion to occur?

Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.

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At a glance

MCQ

Type

practice

Style

Topic

Nuclear fission and fusion

Question

A. To increase the mass of the nuclei
B. To overcome electrostatic repulsion between positively charged nuclei
C. To slow down the reaction rate
D. To cool the surrounding environment

Answer

The correct answer is B: To overcome electrostatic repulsion between positively charged nuclei.

Explanation

The correct answer is B: To overcome electrostatic repulsion between positively charged nuclei. This supports the learning objective "(Physics only) Define nuclear fusion as the joining of two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus." in Nuclear fusion (physics only) because it uses the correct atomic and nuclear radiation relationship for Nuclear fission and fusion. The other options are less suitable because they do not match the required Nuclear fusion (physics only) idea: To increase the mass of the nuclei; To slow down the reaction rate; To cool the surrounding environment.

Common mistake

Misunderstanding Fusion Definition

Students often confuse nuclear fusion with nuclear fission, thinking both involve splitting nuclei.

Remember that nuclear fusion is specifically the joining of two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, while fission is the splitting of a large unstable nucleus.

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