With reference to nuclear fusion, consider the following statements:1....
Fusion means joining lighter nuclei to make a heavier nucleus, most commonly hydrogen isotopes are added together to create Helium. It releases a tremendous amount of energy, according to the Einstein equation, as the mass of the product is little less than the sum of the masses of the original individual nuclei.
Such nuclear fusion reactions are the source of energy in the Sun and other stars. It takes considerable energy to force the nuclei to fuse. The conditions needed for this process are extreme – millions of degrees of temperature and millions of pascals of pressure.
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With reference to nuclear fusion, consider the following statements:1....
The correct answer is option 'C' - 1 and 2 Only.
Explanation:
Nuclear fusion is a process in which two lighter atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a tremendous amount of energy in the process. This reaction is the opposite of nuclear fission, where a heavy nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei.
Statement 1: During the nuclear fusion reaction, two lighter nuclei are joined to make a heavier nucleus.
This statement is correct. In a nuclear fusion reaction, two light atomic nuclei, such as hydrogen isotopes (deuterium and tritium), combine to form a heavier nucleus, such as helium. This process involves the release of a large amount of energy. Fusion reactions can also occur between other light atomic nuclei, depending on the conditions.
Statement 2: Nuclear fusion reactions take place in the Sun and stars. It takes considerable energy to force the nuclei to fuse.
This statement is also correct. Nuclear fusion reactions are responsible for the enormous energy output of the Sun and other stars. In the core of the Sun, the temperature and pressure are extremely high, which allows atomic nuclei to overcome their electrostatic repulsion and come close enough to undergo fusion. The energy required to force the nuclei to fuse is provided by the high temperatures and pressures present in the stellar core.
The Sun primarily undergoes a fusion reaction called the proton-proton chain, where hydrogen nuclei (protons) fuse together to form helium. This process releases a tremendous amount of energy in the form of light and heat.
In controlled fusion experiments on Earth, such as those conducted in experimental fusion reactors, it also takes considerable energy to force the nuclei to fuse. Scientists use various methods to achieve the necessary conditions for fusion, such as heating the fuel to high temperatures or using powerful magnetic fields to confine the fuel and maintain the required conditions for the fusion reaction to occur.
In conclusion, both statements are correct. Nuclear fusion involves the joining of two lighter nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, and fusion reactions take place in the Sun and stars, requiring a considerable amount of energy to force the nuclei to fuse.
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