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Fusion
FUSION: Two nuclei unite to form a heavier nucleus
21H + 21H 42H + energy
Two smaller hydrogen atoms fused and became a bigger atom and energy.
You must recognize this example.
During fusion, two nuclei fuse
together.
• When the atoms fuse, some mass turns into energy. Therefore, the sum of the mass of the original 2 atoms mass is greater than the mass of the large atom – because some of the mass got converted into energy.
• Fusion can only happen with: 1. High pressure
2. High temperature
Why? Nuclei are positive. Therefore, 2 positive nuclei will repel each other. They can only combine if high pressure and high temperature force them together.
• Fusion releases more energy than fission. There are many Regents questions on fusion.
UNIT 12: NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY © 502
