Physics GCSE
nuclear fusion
What nuclear fusion means in Physics GCSE, as defined for AQA, OCR.
Definitions of nuclear fusion
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Reference: AQA
Lighter nuclei join to form heavier nuclei, releasing energy because some of the mass of the nuclei is converted into energy.
Two light nuclei are forced close enough together that the strong nuclear force binds them into one heavier nucleus.
Once the core is hot and dense enough, hydrogen nuclei fuse into helium, releasing vast amounts of energy.
The joining of two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus.
Topics that use nuclear fusion
- Nuclear fusion (AQA GCSE)
- Our solar system (AQA GCSE)
- The life cycle of a star (AQA GCSE)
- Uses and hazards (OCR GCSE)
Related terms
- artificial satellites
- chain reaction
- contamination
- distribution of the elements
- dwarf planets
- energy source of stars
- Equilibrium
- Gravitational collapse
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