Nuclear Fusion - The Power of Stars

Watch the linked video. Write down 5 key points that you learned about fusion from the video.

What is the result of small atoms combining into larger ones?

• Fusion

• Fission

• Gravity

• Electromagnetic radiation

Answer explanation

The process where small atoms combine to form larger ones is known as fusion. It is a nuclear process where multiple atomic particles join together to form a heavier atom. Fusion is most commonly observed in stars, including the sun, where hydrogen atoms fuse together to form helium. Therefore, 'Fusion' is the correct answer to this question.

What form of energy does sunlight come in?

• Electromagnetic radiation

• Nuclear fusion

• Gravity

• Fission

Answer explanation

Sunlight is a form of electromagnetic radiation. This energy is produced by the sun and radiates out in all directions. It is not a result of nuclear fusion, gravity or fission. These are processes or forces, not forms of energy. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is electromagnetic radiation.

What powers our planet's weather and drives its water cycle?

• Sunlight

• Gravity

• Fusion

• Fission

Answer explanation

The weather and water cycle on our planet are powered by sunlight. The sun's energy evaporates water from the earth's surface, which then condenses and falls back as precipitation, completing the water cycle. The heat from the Sun also creates temperature variations that lead to weather changes. Options like Gravity, Fusion, and Fission are not directly responsible for powering our planet's weather and driving its water cycle.

Where does the energy needed for life come from?

• Sunlight

• Gravity

• Fusion

• Fission

What is the mass of an alpha particle?

• 4.00153 units

• 4.03188 units

• 3.345 times 10 to the negative 27 kilograms

• 5.01 times 10 to the negative 27 kilograms

What is the term used to describe the energy released when nucleons are squeezed close together?

• Binding energy

• Fusion energy

• Fission energy

• Gravity energy

Which element releases a small amount of binding energy when a proton and a neutron undergo fusion?

• Deuterium

• Helium

• Uranium

• Iron

Which element releases a much larger amount of energy when added to another deuterium nucleus to make helium?

• Deuterium

• Helium

• Uranium

• Iron

What happens to the differences in binding energy as elements get heavier?

• They become smaller

• They become larger

• They remain the same

• They disappear