(a)[2]
State what is meant by a nuclear fusion reaction.
(b)[5]
One nuclear reaction occurring in the Sun’s core is shown by the equation $^{2}_{1}\text{H} + {}^{1}_{1}\text{H} \rightarrow {}^{3}_{2}\text{He} + \text{energy}$. The nuclei data are provided in Fig. 8.1. (i) Calculate the energy, in joules, released in this reaction. (ii) The temperature in the Sun’s core is about $1.6 \times 10^{7}\,\text{K}$. Suggest why such a high temperature is required for this reaction to occur.
(b(i))[3]
Calculate the energy, in joules, released in this reaction.
(b(ii))[2]
The temperature in the Sun’s core is about $1.6 \times 10^{7}\,\text{K}$. Suggest why such a high temperature is needed for this reaction to occur.