Choose the incorrect statement about the fusion process.
A) Fusion reactions power stars.
B) Fusion is the basis of a hydrogen bomb.
C) Fusion reactions require extreme temperatures to initiate.
D) Fusion is the splitting of a nucleus into smaller nuclei.
E) Fusion is the combining of two small nuclei into a bigger nucleus.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The incorrect statement about the fusion process is:
D) Fusion is the splitting of a nucleus into smaller nuclei.
Correct Explanation:
Fusion is the process of combining two light atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a vast amount of energy in the process. This is the opposite of fission, which is the splitting of a heavy atomic nucleus into two smaller nuclei. The incorrect statement here confuses fusion with fission, where fission involves the breaking apart of atoms, not the combination of nuclei.
Now, let’s break down the other statements to clarify why they are correct:
- A) Fusion reactions power stars.
- This is true. Stars, including our Sun, derive their energy from nuclear fusion. In the core of stars, hydrogen nuclei (protons) fuse to form helium nuclei through a series of reactions, releasing tremendous amounts of energy in the form of light and heat. This energy is what powers stars and provides the light we see from them.
- B) Fusion is the basis of a hydrogen bomb.
- This is also true. A hydrogen bomb, also known as a thermonuclear bomb, uses fusion to release energy. It typically involves using an atomic bomb (based on fission) to generate the extreme temperatures and pressures needed to initiate the fusion reaction. This fusion then produces an enormous amount of energy.
- C) Fusion reactions require extreme temperatures to initiate.
- This is correct as well. For fusion to occur, atomic nuclei must come close enough to overcome their electrostatic repulsion (since they are positively charged). This requires extremely high temperatures (millions of degrees) to give the nuclei enough kinetic energy to collide and fuse. This is why fusion reactions in stars occur at their core, where temperatures are immensely high.
- E) Fusion is the combining of two small nuclei into a bigger nucleus.
- This statement is accurate. Fusion involves the joining of two light nuclei (often hydrogen isotopes) to form a heavier nucleus, typically releasing energy in the process. This is how stars and hydrogen bombs work.
Therefore, the correct answer is D, as it incorrectly describes fusion as the splitting of a nucleus, which is actually the process of fission.