PHYSICS - Radiation - Nuclear Fusion

In the early 20th century, scientists struggled to explain the sun's energy output. Eddington proposed nuclear fusion as a solution, which was later detailed by Hans Bethe. Fusion involves combining light atomic nuclei to form a heavier one, releasing energy as described by Einstein's E=mc². Despite the potential for immense energy, the extreme conditions required for fusion are only naturally found in stars or momentarily in hydrogen bombs. Efforts like ITER aim to harness fusion for clean energy, but challenges remain in sustaining the reaction.

What was the main question scientists faced about the sun's energy in the early 20th century?

• How the sun's gravitational pull affected Earth

• Why the sun was made of hydrogen and helium

• How the sun could sustain chemical combustion for so long

• Why the sun's light was so bright

Who proposed that nuclear fusion could explain the sun's energy output?

• Isaac Newton

• Albert Einstein

• Arthur Eddington

• Hans Bethe

What is the main challenge in achieving nuclear fusion on Earth?

• Creating the extreme conditions needed for fusion

• Finding enough deuterium

• Reducing the speed of light

• Preventing nuclear fission

What is the role of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER)?

• To study the effects of solar radiation

• To create a new type of nuclear bomb

• To use deuterium and tritium for fusion reactions

• To produce energy through nuclear fission

Why is tritium challenging to source for fusion reactions?

• It is abundant in seawater

• It has a long half-life

• It is a byproduct of coal combustion

• It must be produced by neutron bombardment of lithium