KnowledgeBoat Logo

Physics

Why is a very high temperature required for the process of nuclear fusion? State the approximate temperature required.

Radioactivity

28 Likes

Answer

Nuclear fusion is not possible at ordinary temperature and ordinary pressure because when two nuclei approach each other, due to their positive charge, the electrostatic force of repulsion becomes too strong between them that they do not fuse. Hence, to make the fusion possible, a high temperature of (≈ 107 K) and high pressure is required. Due to thermal agitations both nuclei acquire sufficient kinetic energy at such a high temperature so as to overcome the force of repulsion between them when they approach each other and so they get fused.
That is why the fusion reaction is also called the thermo nuclear reaction.
The temperature required is ≈ 107 K.

Answered By

16 Likes


Related Questions