Question

Fusion processes, like combining two deuteron to from a He nucleus are impossible at ordinary temperatures and pressure. The reasons for this can be traced to the fact:

Options

• nuclear forces have short range

• nuclei are positively charged

• the original nuclei must be completely ionised before fusion can take place

• the original nuclei must first break up before combining with each other

Answer 1

Nuclear forces have short range and nuclei are positively charged.

Explanation:

The process of fusion is impossible at ordinary pressure and temperature. This is because atomic nuclei are positively charged and repel each other due to the electrostatic force. Extremely high temperatures is required to overcome this repulsion and enable fusion. Secondly, the nuclei need to be brought very close together to experience the strong nuclear force which can overcome the electrostatic repulsion. This can only happen at very high pressure.