SUBJECTS: Science, Technologies
YEARS: 9–10
Visit the world's largest nuclear fusion reactor, which uses the same process as the Sun to produce energy.
Look at the new advances in fusion technology which mean, for the first time, a fusion reactor should now be able to produce more energy than it consumes. It offers a future alternative energy source, but is not without its challenges.
Things to think about
- 1.Have you heard of nuclear fusion? Here's a hint: it's to do with two elements — hydrogen and helium. How is nuclear fusion different from nuclear fission?
- 2.How does Dr Blackwell use E=mc squared to explain the nuclear fusion reaction? What has been the problem with fusion reactors so far? What are the chemical reactants used in the fusion reactor and where do they come from? Dr Blackwell suggests fusion power stations are the energy source for the third millennium. What reasons does he give?
- 3.Why is nuclear fusion described as 'clean' energy? What are the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear fusion as a sustainable energy source?
- 4.On the Sun, gravity squeezes the hydrogen atoms together to start the fusion process. Find out how hydrogen atoms are forced together inside the nuclear reactor. Create a poster illustrating the structure and processing inside a nuclear fusion reactor.
Date of broadcast: 18 Feb 2010
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