Question

Approximately what temperature is needed to induce the fusion of hydrogen into helium?

a) 1,000 degrees Celsius
b) 10,000 degrees Celsius
c) 100,000 degrees Celsius
d) 1 million degrees Celsius

Answer 1

To induce the fusion of hydrogen into helium, a temperature of approximately 15 million Kelvin is needed, which is crucial to initiate fusion reactions.

Step-by-step explanation:

You asked about the temperature required to induce the fusion of hydrogen into helium. The correct answer is approximately 15,000,000 K (Kelvin). This temperature is necessary to overcome the electrostatic repulsion between atomic nuclei, allowing them to get close enough to fuse into helium. In such extreme conditions, molecules dissociate into atoms and the atoms ionize to form a plasma, which is essential for initiating fusion reactions.