Questions: Research into nuclear fusion will likely require a large investment of time and money before it might be used as an energy source. Which statement best describes the benefits that would make the investment worthwhile? Fusion requires a large amount of energy and occurs in stars. Fusion produces large amounts of energy, and the fuel is found on Earth. Fusion produces no radioactive waste, and the fuel is plentiful. Fusion requires little energy to begin and would continue through a chain reaction.

Solution Steps

Nuclear fusion is a process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a significant amount of energy. It is the process that powers stars, including our sun. The potential of nuclear fusion as an energy source lies in its ability to produce large amounts of energy with relatively abundant fuel sources and minimal environmental impact.

To determine which statement best describes the benefits of nuclear fusion, we need to consider the key advantages that make it a promising energy source:

• Energy Production: Fusion produces a large amount of energy, much more than traditional nuclear fission.
• Fuel Availability: The primary fuels for fusion, such as isotopes of hydrogen (deuterium and tritium), are abundant on Earth.
• Environmental Impact: Fusion produces minimal radioactive waste compared to fission and has a lower risk of accidents.

Let's analyze each statement to see which aligns with the benefits of nuclear fusion:

1. Fusion requires a large amount of energy and occurs in stars.
   • This statement is true but does not highlight the benefits of fusion as an energy source on Earth.
2. Fusion produces large amounts of energy, and the fuel is found on Earth.
   • This statement accurately reflects the benefits of fusion: high energy output and abundant fuel.
3. Fusion produces no radioactive waste, and the fuel is plentiful.
   • While fusion produces significantly less radioactive waste than fission, it is not entirely free of radioactive byproducts. However, the fuel is indeed plentiful.
4. Fusion requires little energy to begin and would continue through a chain reaction.
   • Fusion requires significant initial energy to overcome the repulsive forces between nuclei, and it does not sustain itself through a chain reaction like fission.

Final Answer