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American Museum of Natural History

Fusion Simulation

Summary:

A fusion reaction occurs when two lighter atomic nuclei fuse together to form a heavier nucleus. The most simple fusion reaction occurs when a single proton, the most basic positive electric charge, is fused to a second proton. This is the first step in the fusion process that makes energy in the heart of our Sun. The entire three-step process is called the proton-proton chain and the results are a Helium atom and energy in the form of light. This simple demonstration is an illustration of what protons would experience during fusion.

Materials needed:

  • Two strong magnets (magnetic wands work well) with sides that repel each other. It should be difficult, but not impossible, to get these repelling poles to touch each other.
  • Self-stick Velcro

Procedure:

  1. Take the two separate magnets and find the sides that repel each other.
  2. Stick one strip of looped Velcro to one of these repelling sides and the other strip of hooked Velcro to the other magnet.
  3. Now try to squeeze the magnets close enough to each other for the Velcro to engage and stick together to hold the magnets together.

What is happening?
Protons are positive electric charges and repel each other strongly due to the electromagnetic force. However, there is a force even stronger than the electromagnetic force - the strong nuclear force. This "strong force" only works when the protons are really close to each other, and since they normally repel each other, something has to squeeze them together before they can get close enough for the strong nuclear force to take over and bind them.

In this model the magnets repel each other like protons do. The Velcro acts like the strong nuclear force. You need to apply a force in order to squeeze the magnets together until the Velcro touches and joins them. You have now "fused" together two lighter magnets to make a heavier one! Copyright © 2002 American Museum of Natural History. All rights reserved.

  • More About This Resource...

    • In this activity, kids are able to see with their own eyes how fusion works. The simple experiment requires only Velcro and two strong magnets.

      • The activity begins with a brief and engaging overview that introduces students to the science they are about to see.
      • Then, the procedure is laid out in simple step-by-step directions.
      • The activity ends with an explanation that gives students a deeper understanding of how what they've just witnessed relates to fusion.

    • Completion Time

      Approximately 1 period

    • Origin

      Educators Guide

    • Topic

      Astronomy

    • Subtopic

      Concepts

    • Subtopic

      National Science Education Standards
      Grades 5-8:
      Science as Inquiry CONTENT STANDARD A: 

      • abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry• understanding about scientific inquiry

      Physical Science CONTENT STANDARD B: 

      • properties and changes of properties in matter• motions and forces• transfer of energy

      History and Nature of Science CONTENT STANDARD G: 

      • science as a human endeavor• nature of science

      Grades 9-12:
      Science as Inquiry CONTENT STANDARD A: 

      • abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry• understanding about scientific inquiry

      Physical Science CONTENT STANDARD B: 

      • structure of atoms• structure and properties of matter• motions and forces• interactions of energy and matter

      History and Nature of Science CONTENT STANDARD G: 

      • science as a human endeavor• nature of scientific knowledge

    • Learning Standard

      National Science Education Standards
      Grades 5-8:
      Science as Inquiry CONTENT STANDARD A: 

      • abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry• understanding about scientific inquiry

      Physical Science CONTENT STANDARD B: 

      • properties and changes of properties in matter• motions and forces• transfer of energy

      History and Nature of Science CONTENT STANDARD G: 

      • science as a human endeavor• nature of science

      Grades 9-12:
      Science as Inquiry CONTENT STANDARD A: 

      • abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry• understanding about scientific inquiry

      Physical Science CONTENT STANDARD B: 

      • structure of atoms• structure and properties of matter• motions and forces• interactions of energy and matter

      History and Nature of Science CONTENT STANDARD G: 

      • science as a human endeavor• nature of scientific knowledge