Chapter 11: Problem 25

Why is a nuclear fusion reaction so difficult to induce?

Short Answer

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Answer: A nuclear fusion reaction is difficult to induce because it requires overcoming the Coulomb barrier – the energy barrier caused by the electrostatic force of repulsion between the positively charged atomic nuclei. To achieve this, high temperatures and pressures are needed to provide the atomic nuclei with enough kinetic energy to overcome the barrier. Creating and maintaining these conditions in a stable and controlled manner on Earth is a significant challenge, making it difficult to induce a nuclear fusion reaction.

Step by step solution

Understanding Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear fusion is a reaction in which two atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy in the process. This energy is produced due to the conversion of mass to energy, as described by Einstein's famous equation, E=mc^2.

Identifying the Forces Involved

In a nuclear fusion reaction, two positively charged atomic nuclei must come close enough to each other for the attractive nuclear force to overcome the repulsive electrostatic force (Coulomb force). The electrostatic force, also known as the Coulomb force, increases with the charge of the two nuclei and decreases with distance. The nuclear force, on the other hand, is a short-range force that only becomes significant when nuclei are very close to one another.

Overcoming the Coulomb Barrier

The main difficulty in inducing a nuclear fusion reaction is overcoming the Coulomb barrier, which is the energy barrier caused by the electrostatic force of repulsion between the positively charged atomic nuclei. To overcome this barrier, the involved atomic nuclei need to have enough kinetic energy to approach each other closely enough for the nuclear force to become significant and bind them together.

Understanding the Required Conditions

For a nuclear fusion reaction to occur, high temperatures and high pressures are required to provide the participating atomic nuclei with sufficient kinetic energy to overcome the Coulomb barrier. In the sun, for example, the temperature at the core is around 15 million degrees Celsius, and the pressure is extremely high. This environment is conducive to nuclear fusion reactions.

The Challenge of Inducing Fusion on Earth

On Earth, achieving the conditions necessary for nuclear fusion is a significant challenge. Scientists and engineers have been trying to develop reactors that can sustain controlled nuclear fusion reactions. Various methods, such as magnetic confinement and inertial confinement, have been utilized to attempt to achieve these conditions. However, the challenge remains to create and maintain these high-temperature and high-pressure environments in a stable and controlled manner that allows for practical and efficient energy production. This is why inducing a nuclear fusion reaction is so difficult.

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Why is a nuclear fusion reaction so difficult to induce?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding Nuclear Fusion

Identifying the Forces Involved

Overcoming the Coulomb Barrier

Understanding the Required Conditions

The Challenge of Inducing Fusion on Earth

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