POWER SOURCES CHALLENGE

FUSION PHYSICS! A CLEAN ENERGY

Summary: What if we could harness the power of the Sun for energy here on Fusion reactions occur when two nuclei come together to form one
Earth? What would it take to accomplish this feat? Is it possible? atom. The reaction that happens in the sun fuses two Hydrogen atoms
together to produce Helium. It looks like this in a very simplified way:
Many researchers including our Department of Energy scientists and H + H  He + ENERGY. This energy can be calculated by the famous
engineers are taking on this challenge! In fact, there is one DOE Laboratory Einstein equation, E = mc2.
devoted to fusion physics and is committed to being at the forefront of the
science of magnetic fusion energy. Each of the colliding hydrogen
atoms is a different isotope of
In order to understand a little more about fusion energy, you will learn about hydrogen, one deuterium and one
the atom and how reactions at the atomic level produce energy. tritium. The difference in these
isotopes is simply one neutron.
Background: It all starts with plasma! If you need to learn more about plasma Deuterium has one proton and one
physics, visit the Power Sources Challenge plasma activities. neutron, tritium has one proton and
two neutrons. Look at the
The Fusion Reaction that happens in the SUN looks like this: illustration—do you see how the
mass of the products is less than
the mass of the reactants? That is
called a mass deficit and that
difference in mass is converted into
energy. A really important note is
that for a very small change in
mass, an enormous amount of
energy is produced. How can
scientists and researchers simulate
this reaction that happens in the sun here on earth to produce energy?

Illustration by U.S.
Department of Energy

From a small change in mass, an enormous amount of energy is

produced, and has the potential to be an inexhaustible source of
energy.

Photo by Department of Energy

Learning Objectives - After this activity, students should be able to: Activities:
 Describe atomic structure including sub-atomic particles and their Materials:
charges
 Define fusion reactions  Copies of Mini-Modeling template
 Understand the differences in the isotopes of hydrogen  Mini-candies
 Model a fusion reaction to understand how nuclei come together and  2 long magnets and iron filings
how that affects energy  Copies of A STAR FOR US illustrated science booklet
 Using the mass deficit to understand nuclear energy  Props for multimedia presentation
 Design a project to explain fusion using art and/or media  Recording device (a smartphone will suffice)

Introduction: Fusion is the process that powers the sun and the stars. In one In the following activities, you will learn about the structure of sub-
example of this type of reaction, two atoms of hydrogen combine together atomic particles, specifically the difference in the isotopes of hydrogen.
You will use your knowledge of the atomic structure of hydrogen and its
to form an atom of helium. In the process, some of the mass of the hydrogen
isotopes to design a multimedia presentation describing what happens
is converted into energy. The easiest fusion reaction to make happen in a fusion reaction. The Power-Up activities that support this lesson will
combines deuterium with tritium to make an atom of helium. Nuclear fusion help you understand the particles that contribute to a fusion reaction as
depends on three things; high density of particles, close proximity of the well as having a basic understanding of the transfer of a loss in mass, to
particles to one another and a high rate of speed. Since we cannot duplicate energy.
the high gravitational field of the sun (which causes the high density—
specifically atoms being very close together), we can increase the nuclei’s Mini-Modeling the Atom: Have you ever wondered what constitutes the
rate of speed by heating to more than 4 times the temperature of the sun. atoms that make up everything we know? This activity will help you
visualize these particles, where they are located in the atom, and the
The chemical formula for water is H2O, so there are 2 hydrogen atoms in difference in their charges.
every water molecule. One out of every 6500 atoms of hydrogen in ordinary
As we talk about sub-atomic particles, what do they look like in an atom
water is deuterium, giving a gallon of water the energy potential of 300 and how are they arranged? Can you model the difference in the three
gallons of gasoline. In addition, fusion is environmentally friendly because it isotopes of hydrogen?
produces no combustion products or greenhouse gases.

While fusion is a nuclear process, the products of the fusion reaction (helium You will need the attached Mini-
and a neutron) are not intrinsically radioactive. Short-lived radioactivity may Modeling Map and mini-candies.
result from interactions of the fusion products with the reactor walls, but You can choose one color of the
with proper design a fusion power plant would be passively safe, and would candy for protons, a different
produce no long-lived radioactive waste. Design studies show that electricity color for neutrons, and a third
color for electrons. Can you
from fusion should eventually be about the same cost as present day
model the three different
sources. isotopes of hydrogen on your
modeling map? Can you model
We’re getting close! While fusion sounds simple, the details are difficult and an atom of helium that was
exacting. Heating, compressing and confining hydrogen plasmas at 100 formed by fusion?
million degrees is a significant challenge. A lot of science and engineering
had to be learned to get fusion to where we are today.

Magnetic fusion programs expect to build their next experiments, which will
produce more energy than they consume within the next 15 years. If all goes
well, commercial application should be possible by the middle of the 21st Infographic by Department of Energy
century, providing humankind a safe, clean, inexhaustible energy source for
the future. Examine your models and compare to the illustration. Refer to the
power-up activity for a more detailed explanation for this activity.
Magnetic Fusion: Magnetic fields affect the flow of electricity, simply by
directing how electrons move. Magnetic fusion uses magnets to fuse
hydrogen particles together to form plasma. The energy released from 1
gram of fused Deuterium equals the energy from about 2400 gallons of oil.
That is a LOT of clean energy to help us answer our energy challenges!
Feel the Force: Students will use magnets and magnetic iron filings to model  5-PS1-3. Make observations and measurements to identify
fusion. This will help students understand the force of a magnetic field materials based on their properties.
and how that contributes to  MS-PS1-1. Develop models to describe the atomic composition of
fusion reactions. simple molecules and extended structures.
 MS-PS2-2. Plan an investigation to provide evidence that the
What is magnetic fusion? How does a magnetic field work to help particles
come together? change in an object’s motion depends on the sum of the forces on
the object and the mass of the object.
Take two magnets and examine them separately. As you start to bring the  MS-PS2-3. Ask questions about data to determine the factors that
magnets together, what do you observe? When two particles fuse together, affect the strength of electric and magnetic forces.
they make a new substance. Using your sense of touch, what differences do  MS-PS2-5. Conduct an investigation and evaluate the
you feel? Rotate the magnets and repeat observations. experimental design to provide evidence that fields exist between
objects exerting forces on each other even though the objects are
Now that you have felt the force of a magnetic field, you can actually “see” not in contact.
that force using iron filings. Take one of your magnets and place it under a
white sheet of paper. Use a small amount of iron filings and sprinkle them on
top of the paper just above the magnet. What do you see? Science and Engineering Practices:
 Ask questions that can be investigated and predict reasonable
Collect your iron filings from the paper. Now place your two magnets parallel outcomes based on patterns such as cause and effect
to each other. In the same way as the first map, place your white sheet of relationships. (4-PS3-3)
paper over the magnets and sprinkle the iron filings on the paper. What do  Make observations to produce data to serve as the basis for
you observe this time? How is it different from the first map? evidence for an explanation of a
 phenomenon or test a design solution. (4-PS3-2)
You might want to sketch what you see with each map or take a picture if
 Use evidence (e.g., measurements, observations, patterns) to
you have a camera, that way you can compare the difference in the two
construct an explanation. (4-PS3-1)
pictures.
 Develop a model to predict and/or describe phenomena. (MS-PS1-
YOU be the STAR (like the Sun)! Now that you have learned about magnetic 1),(MS-PS1-4)
fusion and how it might help solve our future energy challenges, you will  Develop a model to describe unobservable mechanisms. (MS-PS1-
have the opportunity to shine (just like the sun!). For this activity, you will 5)
use your creativity and imagination, just like the designers of the science  Analyze and interpret data to determine similarities and
booklet “A Star for Us”. differences in findings. (MS-PS1-2)
 Apply scientific ideas or principles to design an object, tool,
You will be on a team with three other students or friends and brainstorm process or system. (MS-PS2-1)
your ideas. Your mission will be to use any media (visual, song, video, skit,
etc) to help others your age understand magnetic fusion as a clean energy. Disciplinary Core Ideas:
You will capture your explanation in a recording no longer than 5 minutes.  Energy can be moved from place to place by moving objects or
through sound, light, or electric currents. (4-PS3-2),(4-PS3-3)
Make sure you have the following: Title, Authors, Definition of Fusion and  Energy can also be transferred from place to place by electric
Wrap-up. Ideally, you will post to an online secure video channel. Have fun! currents, which can then be used locally to produce motion,
sound, heat, or light. The currents may have been produced to
Next Generation Science Standards (4,5 and MS): begin with by transforming the energy of motion into electrical
Students who demonstrate understanding can: energy. (4-PS3-2),(4-PS3-4)
 4-PS3-2. Make observations to provide evidence that energy can be  Energy and fuels that humans use are derived from natural
transferred from place to place by sound, light, heat, and electric sources, and their use affects the environment in multiple ways.
currents. Some resources are renewable over time, and others are not. (4-
 4-ESS3-1. Obtain and combine information to describe that energy and ESS3-1)
fuels are derived from natural resources and their uses affect the  The amount (weight) of matter is conserved when it changes
environment. form, even in transitions in which it seems to vanish. (5-PS1-2)
 5-PS1-1. Develop a model to describe that matter is made of particles Measurements of a variety of properties can be used to identify
too small to be seen. materials. (Boundary: At this grade level, mass and weight are not
 5-PS1-2. Measure and graph quantities to provide evidence that distinguished, and no attempt is made to define the unseen
regardless of the type of change that occurs when heating, cooling, or particles or explain the atomic-scale mechanism of evaporation
mixing substances, the total weight of matter is conserved. and condensation.) (5-PS1-3)
  No matter what reaction or change in properties occurs, the total
weight of the substances does not change. (Boundary: Mass and
weight are not distinguished at this grade level.) (5-PS1-2)
 Substances are made from different types of atoms, which combine
with one another in various ways. Atoms form molecules that range in
size from two to thousands of atoms. (MS-PS1-1)
 Substances react chemically in characteristic ways. In a chemical
process, the atoms that make up the original substances are
regrouped into different molecules, and these new substances have
different properties from those of the reactants. (MS-PS1-3)
 Some chemical reactions release energy, others store it. (MS-PS1-6)
 Electric and magnetic (electromagnetic) forces can be attractive or
repulsive, and their sizes depend on the magnitudes of the charges,
currents, or magnetic strengths involved and on the distances between
the interacting objects. (MS-PS2-3)
 Forces that act at a distance (electric, magnetic, and gravitational) can
be explained by fields that extend through space and can be mapped
by their effect on a test object (a charged object, or a ball,
respectively). (MS-PS2-5)

Crosscutting Concepts:
 Energy can be transferred in various ways and between objects. (4-
PS3-1), (4-PS3-2),(4-PS3-3),(4-PS3-4)
 Over time, people’s needs and wants change, as do their demands for
new and improved technologies. (4-ESS3-1)
 Natural objects exist from the very small to immensely large. (5-PS1-1)
 Time, space, and energy phenomena can be observed at various scales
using models to study systems that are too large or too small. (MS-PS1-
1)
 Structures can be designed to serve particular functions by taking into
account properties of different materials, and how materials can be
shaped and used. (MS-PS1-3)
 The uses of technologies and any limitations on their use are driven by
individual or societal needs, desires, and values; by the findings of
scientific research; and by differences in such factors as climate,
natural resources, and economic conditions. Thus technology use
varies from region to region and over time. (MS-PS1-3)
 Macroscopic patterns are related to the nature of microscopic and
atomic-level structure. (MS-PS1-2)

Sources:

 A Star for Us: http://www.pppl.gov/sites/pppl/files/basic_pages_

files/PPPL_AStarForUs_fusioncomic_download.pdf
 Next Generation Science Standards: www.nextgenscience.org
 POWER SOURCES CHALLENGE
POWER UP ACTIVITIES – FUSION PHYSICS
ACTIVITY ONE:

MINI-MODELING THE ATOM

Have you ever wondered what makes up the atoms that make up everything we know? This activity will help you visualize these particles, their location in the
atom, and their differences in charge.

Question::
As we learn about sub-atomic particles, what do they look like in an atom and how are they arranged? Can you model the difference in the three isotopes of
hydrogen?

Explore:
You will need the attached Mini-Modeling Map ( please provide a link for downloadable mini-modeling template that I sent you here) and mini-candies. You can
choose one color of the candy for protons, a different color for neutrons, and a third color for electrons. Can you model the three different isotopes of hydrogen
on your modeling map? Can you model an atom of helium that was formed by fusion?

Explain:

Isotopes of an atom have the same number of protons but vary in the number of Check your pictures with the ones below. What color was used
neutrons. Protons and neutrons reside in the nucleus (the center of the atom) and for proton, neutron and electron? Can you deduce which
electrons move quickly through clouds of specific levels surrounding the nucleus. isotope is which from looking at each image?
Hydrogen’s most abundant isotope (99.98%) contains 1 proton, 0 neutrons and 1
electron. Deuterium (or heavy hydrogen) has 1 proton, 1 neutron and 1 electron. Tritium is
present is minute amounts and has 1 proton, 2 neutrons and 1 electron. ( this is already in
the next column)
ACTIVITY TWO:

FEEL THE FORCE

Students will demonstrate modeling fusion using magnets and magnetic iron filings to understand the force of a magnetic field and how that contributes to
fusion reactions.

Question::
What is magnetic fusion? How does a magnetic field work to help particles come together?

Explore:
Take two magnets and examine them separately. As you start to bring the magnets together, what do you observe? When two particles fuse together, they
make a new substance. Using your sense of touch, what differences do you feel? Rotate the magnets and repeat observations.

Now that you have felt the force of a magnetic field, you can actually see that force using iron filings. Take one of your magnets and place it under a white sheet
of paper. Use a small amount of iron filings and sprinkle them on top of the paper just above the magnet. What do you see?

Collect your iron filings from the paper. Now place your two magnets parallel to each other. In the same way as the first map, place your white sheet of paper
over the magnets and sprinkle the iron filings on the paper. What do you observe this time? How is it different from the first map?

You might want to sketch what you see with each map or take a picture if you have a camera, that way you can compare the difference in the two pictures.

Explain:
You have just mapped a magnetic field! You can trace the force that you felt by looking
at the pattern of the iron filings. Magnetic fields affect the flow of electricity, simply by
directing how electrons move. Magnetic fusion uses magnets to fuse hydrogen particles
together to form plasma. These reactions produce energy. Scientists and engineers can
direct the flow of charged particles by varying the number and the strength of the
magnets. Compare your pictures to the one below, how are they alike or different?

Photo from Wikimedia.org

ACTIVITY THREE:

A SWEET MODEL FOR FUSION

Students will use cookie dough to model fusion and the energy emitted through the mass deficit.

Question::
How can you model fusion and mass deficit?

Explore:
You will use two pieces of cookie dough, a balance and a microwave oven to perform this activity. You can also use an add-in such as a chocolate chip, raisin,
cranberry or nut to place in the dough to represent protons and neutrons.

Take your raw dough and place the correct number of “add-ins” to represent protons and neutrons in the center. Roll into a sphere and place very close together
(but not touching) on a paper plate. If you can, take the mass or weigh the dough before you cook it. Then place the dough in a microwave oven following
directions on package for cook time. What happened to the two spheres? How do they look now? If you can mass or weigh the product, did you note a
difference?

After making your observations and capturing “before” and “after” images, you may eat your new element!

Explain:
Fusion reactions occur when two atoms come together or fuse to form a new atom. You
used two small separate pieces of dough, and after you added energy (by heating in a
microwave), they became one piece. If you used add-ins to represent protons and
neutrons, you made a new element because of the different amounts of protons and
neutrons.

Mass deficit occurs differently in your model and in nuclear fusion reactions such as the
one in the sun. If you massed your cookie dough before and after you cooked it, you
should have seen a difference. Do you know why there was a difference? When baking
cookies, you turn some of the water in the dough into a vapor that escapes when you
open the microwave door!

But nuclear fusion is much different. The Law of Conservation of Mass states that the
mass of the reactants in a chemical reaction should be equal to the mass of the products.
If there is a difference, then that mass has been converted to energy according to the
equation E=mc2. For very small changes in mass, there is a tremendous amount of
energy produced.
Photo by commons.wikimedia.org
ACTIVITY FOUR:

STEM + A (Art)=STEAM
This power-up activity introduces students to a creative and imaginative way to learn about nuclear fusion.

Question::
How can artists use their talents in STEM?

Explore:
Read the PPPL (Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory) beautifully illustrated attached science booklet and think about ways to involve your unique talents to
intersect with STEM disciplines.

Explain:

STEM disciplines are a wonderful place to use ALL of your talents. Science and
engineering involve creative thinking to discover innovative ideas and methods.
Engineering requires innovative design and original ideas to iterate and improve
prototypes. This science booklet can help you think about the different ways we can
think about science topics such as magnetic fusion energy and illustrate those topics
for all to understand.