Question

In the context of fusion, what causes the Coulomb barrier?

Options

• The strong nuclear force repels nuclei before they can come close

• Both nuclei carry a positive charge and repel each other through electrostatic force

• Neutrons in the nuclei attract each other through gravitational force

• Electrons surrounding the nuclei create a magnetic repulsion

Answer 1

Because both nuclei carry a positive charge, they repel each other through electrostatic force. This repulsion is called the Coulomb barrier in the context of fusion. Nuclei must overcome this barrier to approach one another closely enough to fuse.