China’s $1 trillion fusion reactor sets new record for sustaining temperatures five times hotter than the sun

The transcript discusses a Chinese tokamak's achievement in setting a new record by sustaining a loop of plasma at 70 million degrees Celsius for over 17 minutes, surpassing previous records. It explains nuclear fusion, a process that powers stars, and its potential benefits, such as not producing greenhouse gases or nuclear waste. The challenges of replicating fusion on Earth, like maintaining high temperatures and controlling plasma, are highlighted. The Chinese tokamak's experiments contribute to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in France, expected to be operational by 2025.

What was the new record set for superheating plasma in terms of duration?

• 30 minutes

• 10 minutes

• 5 minutes

• 17 minutes

What is the main challenge in replicating nuclear fusion on Earth compared to stars?

• Excessive greenhouse gas emissions

• High cost of materials

• Inability to create intense pressure

• Lack of hydrogen

Why is controlling plasma at high temperatures technically challenging?

• It can burn through reactor walls

• It produces too much energy

• It needs a constant supply of helium

• It requires a lot of space

What is the purpose of the Chinese tokamak experiment?

• To create new materials

• To reduce carbon emissions

• To test technologies for future fusion projects

• To generate electricity for China

When is the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor in France expected to become operational?

• 2023

• 2025

• 2030

• 2027