Question

The fusion reactions occur at

• A. Low pressures
• B. High temperature
• C. Extremely high temperature
• D. High temperature and low pressure

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Extremely high temperature

The explanation for the correct option:

Option (C) - Extremely high temperature

1. The process of combining two smaller nuclei into heavier fragments in the presence of a very large amount of energy is called nuclear fusion.
2. This fusion reaction takes place with the nucleus moving at a very high speed so that they have large kinetic energy to overcome nuclear repulsion.
3. Therefore, fusion reactions will take place only at an extremely high temperature.

Explanation for the incorrect options:

1. Option (A) - Low pressure: When the process of nuclear fusion happens due to the positive charge of two nuclei the force of repulsion becomes very strong so it can not be possible at low pressure.
2. Option (B) - High temperature: In a nuclear fusion the amount of temperature needed is extremely high to force the nuclei together.
3. Option (D) - High temperature and low pressure: As is already mentioned in the above options so nuclear fusion can not happen at high temperature and low pressure due to the electrostatic repulsion.

Hence, option C is the correct answer.