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4 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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What is Nuclear fusion? |
The joining of small atomic nuclei. 2 light nuclei can join to create a larger nucleus. It releases a lot of energy. Fusion doesn't leave behind a lot of nuclear waste. But it can only happen at high temperatures. |
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Describe nuclear fusion in stars. |
Stars form from clouds of dust and gas and gravity makes them spiral together to form a prostar. The temperature rises as gravitational energy is converted into heat energy. When the temp gets higher enough hydrogen nuclei undergo nuclear fusion to for helium nuclei and give out massive amounts of heat and light. A star is born. |
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How are starts formed? |
Clouds of dust and gas spiral together due to the force of gravity to form a prostar. |
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What are stars stable during the main sequence period of their lives? |
Once the star has been created through nuclear fusion the star immediately enters a long stable period |
