Nuclear Fusion and Atomic Concepts

The video explores the processes of fusion and fission, explaining how stars fuse elements to release energy. It delves into atomic structure, mass differences, and the mass-energy relationship, highlighting why stars cannot fuse elements heavier than iron. The video also clarifies the distinction between atomic mass and atomic weight.

What is the primary difference between fusion and fission?

• Both fusion and fission combine nuclei.

• Fusion combines nuclei, while fission splits them.

• Fusion splits nuclei, while fission combines them.

• Both fusion and fission split nuclei.

In the fusion process within stars, what is formed when three helium atoms combine?

• Iron

• Oxygen

• Nitrogen

• Carbon

Why does the fusion of helium into carbon release energy?

• Because it absorbs energy from the surroundings.

• Because it results in a loss of mass, releasing energy.

• Because it creates more mass than it started with.

• Because it requires no energy input.

What defines the element of an atom?

• The atomic mass

• The number of protons

• The number of electrons

• The number of neutrons

Why is the mass of a carbon atom less than three times the mass of the helium atoms it originates from?

• Because carbon atoms are denser.

• Because carbon atoms have fewer protons.

• Because of the energy released during fusion.

• Because helium atoms are heavier.

What is the significance of Einstein's equation E=MC² in the context of fusion?

• It measures the speed of light.

• It describes the energy released due to mass loss.

• It explains the energy required for fusion.

• It calculates the mass of an atom.

Why can't stars fuse elements heavier than iron?

• Because iron has the highest atomic mass.

• Because fusing iron requires more energy than it releases.

• Because iron is the lightest element.

• Because stars lack the necessary temperature.

What is the difference between atomic mass and atomic weight?

• Atomic mass and atomic weight are the same.

• Atomic mass is the mass of a single isotope, while atomic weight is the average mass of isotopes.

• Atomic mass is measured in grams, while atomic weight is measured in kilograms.

• Atomic mass is the average mass of isotopes, while atomic weight is the mass of a single isotope.

What happens to iron atoms during a supernova explosion?

• They are fused into heavier elements.

• They are split into lighter elements.

• They are converted into energy.

• They remain unchanged.

Why is it important to use atomic mass instead of atomic weight in scientific calculations?

• Because atomic weight is only used for gases.

• Because atomic mass is easier to measure.

• Because atomic weight is not used in chemistry.

• Because atomic mass is more accurate for individual isotopes.