Photo AI
The diagram shows part of an experimental fusion reactor - Scottish Highers Physics - Question 8 - 2016
Question 8
The diagram shows part of an experimental fusion reactor. The following statement represents a reaction that takes place inside the reactor. \( \text{ }_1^1H + \te... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The diagram shows part of an experimental fusion reactor - Scottish Highers Physics - Question 8 - 2016
Step 1
Explain why energy is released in this reaction.
Answer
Energy is released in this reaction because there is a mass defect between the reactants and products. When the hydrogen nuclei fuse to form helium and neutron, some of the mass is converted into energy, demonstrating the principle of mass-energy equivalence.
Step 2
Calculate the energy released in this reaction.
Answer
To calculate the energy released, we first find the total mass of the reactants and subtract the total mass of the products:
-
Calculate total mass of reactants:
- ( m_{reactants} = m_{H} + m_{H} = 3.3436 \times 10^{-27} + 5.0083 \times 10^{-27} = 8.3519 \times 10^{-27} , kg )
-
Calculate total mass of products:
- ( m_{products} = m_{He} + m_{n} = 6.6465 \times 10^{-27} + 1.6749 \times 10^{-27} = 8.3214 \times 10^{-27} , kg )
-
Calculate mass defect:
- ( \Delta m = m_{reactants} - m_{products} = 8.3519 \times 10^{-27} - 8.3214 \times 10^{-27} = 3.0505 \times 10^{-29} , kg )
-
Use mass-energy equivalence formula: ( E = mc^2 )
- Where ( c \approx 3.00 \times 10^{8} , m/s )
- ( E = (3.0505 \times 10^{-29}) \times (3.00 \times 10^{8})^2 )
- ( E \approx 2.75 \times 10^{-12} , J )
Step 3
Explain why it is necessary to use a magnetic field to contain the plasma.
Answer
It is necessary to use a magnetic field to contain the plasma because plasmas can cool down if they come into contact with the walls of the reactor. The high temperatures of plasma must be maintained to ensure the ongoing nuclear reactions necessary for fusion. Without a magnetic field, the plasma would interact with the reactor material, leading to severe losses of energy and possible damage.
Step 4
Determine the direction of the force exerted by the magnetic field on the positively charged particle as it enters the field.
Answer
The force on a charged particle moving in a magnetic field is given by the right-hand rule. For a positively charged particle entering the magnetic field:
- If the magnetic field is directed into the page, the force on the particle will be directed 'up the page'. Therefore, the direction of the force exerted by the magnetic field on the positively charged particle as it enters is 'up the page'.