Fusion Power Explained - Future or Failure
Videos
Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Chemistry, Physics, Engineering
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Provided by Kurzgesagt - In a Nutshell
What it is
- This video explains the possible advantages of producing fusion energy and the obstacles that scientists face as they work to develop fusion reactors.
- Students will learn about the process of fusion, which occurs naturally in the sun and other stars.
- The video also explains that while scientists have successfully achieved fusion on Earth, the reactors are not viable because they use more energy than they produce, and they require isotopes of hydrogen or helium that are not readily available.
Teaching tips
Positives
- Though it covers a large amount of material in a short time, the video is easy to understand.
- The video offers multiple comparisons between fusion and other types of energy sources.
Prerequisites
- Students should be familiar with terms such as isotope, thermonuclear, and plasma.
- Students should have a basic understanding of the parts of an atom.
- There may be an ad before the video and the last 30 seconds are an advertisement.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Chemistry classes can discuss why hydrogen isotopes, deuterium, and tritium, can be used to create a fusion reaction that produces energy without many harmful byproducts.
- Physics classes can compare and contrast magnetic confinement and inertial confinement.
- Science classes can research the feasibility of harvesting tritium from the moon as compared to other solutions such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower, and tidal power generation.
- Ecology classes can discuss the need for clean energy in the fight against climate change, and the possible harmful effects of things mentioned in the video.
- Other resources on our clean energy solutions include Renewable Energy: Clean Tech Solutions, Clean Energy, and A Practical Guide to Solar, Wind, and Geothermal.
From the scientist review
This video adequately represents the feasibility (and lack thereof) of fusion power. It highlights the complexities, and it states that it is unproven and (as of yet) unattainable as a power source. This resource is recommended for teaching.
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