Set the Scene:
Let’s start with some engaging questions that connect your everyday life to the subject of nuclear fusion. Please take a moment to think about and discuss the following:
- What are some of the biggest challenges facing our planet today, and how might nuclear fusion help address them?
- Have you ever heard of nuclear fusion before, and what do you think it might be like to have a nearly limitless source of clean energy?
- How do you think your life might change if nuclear fusion became a reality, and what possibilities might it open up for you and future generations?
Featured Image Analysis & Prediction:
Take a look at the featured image associated with this activity. What do you see in the image? What do you think this activity will be about based on this image? Please discuss your thoughts and predictions with a partner or in a small group.
Introduction:
Now, let’s dive into the introduction of the activity. Please read the introduction to nuclear fusion and take note of any key terms or concepts that stand out to you.
Vocabulary Review:
Next, let’s review the key vocabulary related to nuclear fusion. Please go over the vocabulary table provided and make sure you understand the definitions and example usage for each term.
| Term | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Fusion | The process of combining small atoms into a larger one, releasing energy in the process. | Nuclear fusion is the process that powers the sun, where hydrogen atoms are fused into helium, releasing vast amounts of energy. |
| Nuclear Fission | The process of splitting a large atom into smaller ones, releasing energy in the process. | Nuclear fission is the process used in nuclear power plants, where uranium atoms are split to release energy, which is then used to generate electricity. |
| Plasma | A high-energy state of matter, where atoms are ionized and electrons are free to move. | In a fusion reactor, plasma is created by heating a gas to extremely high temperatures, allowing the atoms to fuse and release energy. |
| Magnetic Confinement | A method of containing plasma using magnetic fields, often utilizing a machine called a tokamak. | Magnetic confinement is a common approach to achieving controlled nuclear fusion, where a strong magnetic field is used to contain and heat the plasma. |
| Inertial Confinement | A method of compressing fusion fuel quickly using lasers, causing it to heat up and fuse. | Inertial confinement is another approach to achieving controlled nuclear fusion, where a high-powered laser is used to compress and heat the fusion fuel. |
| Tokamak | A device used in magnetic confinement, where a toroidal (doughnut-shaped) vessel is used to contain the plasma. | The tokamak is a common design for a fusion reactor, where the plasma is contained and heated using magnetic fields and a toroidal vessel. |
| Tridium | A rare and difficult to obtain isotope of hydrogen, used as fuel in nuclear fusion reactions. | Tridium is a key component in nuclear fusion reactions, where it is fused with deuterium to release energy. |
| Helium-3 | A rare and light isotope of helium, used as fuel in nuclear fusion reactions. | Helium-3 is a potential fuel source for nuclear fusion reactions, where it can be fused with deuterium to release energy. |
| Fusion Reactor | A device designed to achieve controlled nuclear fusion, where energy is released and harnessed to generate electricity. | A fusion reactor is a potential game-changer in the field of energy production, where clean and sustainable energy can be generated using nuclear fusion reactions. |
Video Engagement:
Now, let’s watch the video associated with this activity: Nuclear Fusion, explained for beginners. As you watch the video, please pause at the following points and discuss the questions with a partner or in a small group:
- Pause at 2:00 minutes: What are some of the benefits of nuclear fusion, and how might it impact our daily lives?
- Pause at 5:00 minutes: What are some of the challenges of achieving controlled nuclear fusion, and how are scientists working to overcome them?
- Pause at 8:00 minutes: What are some potential applications of nuclear fusion, and how might it change the way we think about energy production?
For more information and resources, you can visit the original post at https://maestrocursos.com.br/quizzed-esl-activities/nuclear-fusion-explained-for-beginners/.
Grammar Focus:
The present perfect continuous tense is used to describe an action that started in the past and continues up to the present moment. Please review the grammar focus section and complete the grammar quiz to practice using this tense.
Grammar Quiz:
- By the time the new fusion reactor is built, scientists ____________________ (work) on the project for over a decade.
- A) have worked
- B) are working
- C) have been working
- D) work
- The team ____________________ (struggle) with the confinement of plasma for months before finding a solution.
- A) has struggled
- B) struggles
- C) had struggled
- D) has been struggling
- Researchers ____________________ (study) the process of nuclear fusion for years, but a breakthrough remains elusive.
- A) study
- B) have studied
- C) are studying
- D) have been studying
- By next year, the company ____________________ (invest) heavily in fusion technology for five years.
- A) will invest
- B) has invested
- C) will have invested
- D) has been investing
- The potential of nuclear fusion ____________________ (explore) by scientists and engineers for decades.
- A) explores
- B) has explored
- C) is exploring
- D) has been explored
Answer Key:
- C) have been working
- D) has been struggling
- D) have been studying
- D) has been investing
- D) has been explored