Chapter 24, Problem 68A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Nuclear fusion requires so much heat and heat contained within a tokamak reactor to be described.

Concept introduction:

Combination of atomic nuclei is nuclear fusion. Reaction of nuclear fusion that is responsible for making heaviest elements, able to release massive quantities of energy.

Answer to Problem 68A

Atoms have to be heated up to such a heat that their very nuclei start to disintegrate. Thus nuclear fusion requires so much heat and heat contained within a tokamak reactor.

Explanation of Solution

Atoms have to be heated up to such a heat that their very nuclei start to disintegrate. Thus nuclear fusion requires so much heat. Heat is dangerous and difficult to contain for such massive. Magnetic field of Tokamak reactors prevents heat from the reaction from directly reaching the walls of reaction chamber. Reaction chamber would melt immediately if heated.

Conclusion

Tokamak is a ring-shaped reactor that uses strong magnetic field to control the extremely hot fusion reaction and to prevent it from direct contact with the internal walls of reactor.