Question detail
Why is nuclear fusion difficult to use as an energy source on Earth?
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. It requires very low temperatures
- B. It produces too much waste
- C. It needs extreme conditions that are hard to maintain
- D. It is a slow process
Answer
The correct answer is C: It needs extreme conditions that are hard to maintain.
Explanation
The correct answer is C: It needs extreme conditions that are hard to maintain. 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: It requires very low temperatures; It produces too much waste; It is a slow process.
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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