English National Curriculum - Science

Nuclear fusion

Mission Objectives

Explain the process of nuclear fusion.

Explain how nuclei can be made to fuse.

Describe why it is very difficult to make a nuclear fusion reactor.

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Keywords

Words and meanings to learn

plasma

is an ionised gas and is the state of matter in which nuclear fusion occurs.

Nuclear fusion

is a process where two light atomic nuclei, such as hydrogen, combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy. This is the process that powers stars, including the Sun.

heavy hydrogen

isotopes of hydrogen that have additional neutrons in their nuclei.

Deuterium

is an isotope of hydrogen with one proton and one neutron in its nucleus, making it "heavier" than regular hydrogen, which has no neutrons

tritium

is an isotope of hydrogen with one proton and two neutrons in its nucleus. It is radioactive

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United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory

United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory

This lesson has been written by

Samantha Batch

Samantha is an accomplished science educator with over 15 years of leadership experience and a strong background in scientific analysis. She has a proven record of leading departments effectively, improving practice, and working collaboratively with stakeholders.

In her current work, Samantha embeds evidence-informed pedagogical principles such as retrieval practice, clear modelling, and effective sequencing to support high-quality curriculum design and professional development. She draws on assessment insight and common misconceptions to help teachers secure strong student understanding.

She is a former Head of Chemistry and Sixth Form Tutor at Ilkley Grammar School, with extensive Key Stage 4 and 5 experience, and an AQA examiner, giving her valuable insight into assessment standards and exam requirements.

In her spare time, Samantha enjoys playing the accordion with her local orchestra and has recently taken up cricket. 

Required Resources

Comprehension activity on International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER)

Past paper questions

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