Q. Fusion reaction takes place at high temperature because
A) Molecules break up at high temperature
B) Nuclei break up at high temperature
C) Atoms get ionised at high temperature
D) Kinetic energy is high enough to overcome the coulomb repulsion between nuclei
Explanation
[Solution from source] Fusing nuclei are positively charged and repel each other; only at very high temperatures (~10⁷ K) do they have enough kinetic energy to overcome this Coulomb barrier. Ionisation of atoms or breaking of molecules is not the reason fusion needs high temperature. Answer (4).
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.