Nuclear fusion
3 marks · NormalA scientist suggests using nuclear fusion to power a new type of power station on Earth.
State two advantages of using fusion instead of fission to produce electricity.
Give one technological challenge that must be overcome before fusion reactors can be used commercially.
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(a) Fusion produces no long-lived radioactive waste and uses readily available fuels (hydrogen isotopes).
(b) Current technology cannot achieve or contain the high temperatures and pressures needed for sustained fusion.
Also accept: any valid advantage, e.g. less radioactive waste, abundant fuel, no greenhouse gases
Common mistakes: confusing fission and fusion waste types
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Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · One advantage given (e.g. less radioactive waste or more available fuel).
B2 (a) · 1 mark · A second advantage given (e.g. no greenhouse gas emissions).
B3 (b) · 1 mark · A valid challenge described (e.g. achieving required conditions or magnetic/technical containment).
Worked solution
a) Fusion produces little or no long-lived radioactive waste and requires fuel that is abundant (like hydrogen).
b) The challenge is achieving and maintaining the extremely high temperatures and pressures needed for fusion, and containing the plasma.