Nuclear fusion
3 marks · NormalThe diagram shows a nuclear fusion reaction used in experiments on Earth.
Name the two isotopes of hydrogen that take part in this fusion reaction.
State one product of this reaction.
Is energy absorbed or released in this reaction? Explain why.
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(a) Deuterium and tritium.
(b) Helium (or a neutron).
(c) Energy is released, because the total mass of the products is less than the mass of the reactants.
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · States deuterium and tritium as reactants.
B2 (b) · 1 mark · Names helium or neutron as a product.
B3 (c) · 1 mark · States energy is released and explains in terms of mass difference (mass of products < mass of reactants).
Worked solution
a) The two isotopes are deuterium (hydrogen-2) and tritium (hydrogen-3).
b) One product is helium (or a neutron).
c) Energy is released in this reaction because the total mass of the products is less than the mass of the reactants.