Sample interview questions: Can you explain the concept of nuclear fusion reactions and their potential for energy generation?
Sample answer:
Nuclear Fusion Reactions and Energy Generation
Nuclear fusion is the process of combining two or more atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a significant amount of energy. This energy is due to the mass difference between the initial and final nuclei, known as the mass defect.
In stars, nuclear fusion occurs when hydrogen nuclei fuse to form helium. This process powers the Sun and other stars, releasing vast amounts of energy and light. On Earth, nuclear fusion is being explored as a potential source of clean and abundant energy.
Nuclear fusion reactions require extremely high temperatures and pressures to overcome the electrostatic repulsion between the positively charged nuclei. This is typically achieved using a magnetic confinement device known as a tokamak. In a tokamak, a plasma of hydrogen isotop… Read full answer