Question detail
What is nuclear fusion?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Nuclear fission and fusion
Question
- A. The splitting of a large nucleus
- B. The joining of two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus
- C. The release of neutrons from a nucleus
- D. The process of nuclear decay
Answer
The correct answer is B: The joining of two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus.
Explanation
The correct answer is B: The joining of two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus. This supports the learning objective "(Physics only) Explain that high temperature is needed to overcome electrostatic repulsion between nuclei." 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: The splitting of a large nucleus; The release of neutrons from a nucleus; The process of nuclear decay.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Electrostatic Repulsion
Students often think that high temperature is solely needed for fusion to occur without understanding that it specifically overcomes the electrostatic repulsion between positively charged nuclei.
Emphasize that high temperature provides the kinetic energy necessary for nuclei to collide with enough force to overcome their repulsive forces, enabling fusion.
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