Meaning & use
nuclear fusion
Last updated
Meaning
noununcountablephysics
A process in which the centers of light atoms join to form a heavier atom, releasing a large amount of energy.
Grammar: Uncountable; no plural form. Use it with a singular verb: Nuclear fusion is powerful.
Patterns
- nuclear fusion occurs
- nuclear fusion reaction
- produce energy through nuclear fusion
The sun produces energy through nuclear fusion.
Scientists are trying to build a reactor that can sustain nuclear fusion.
Nuclear fusion releases far more energy than burning coal.
Common combinations
- nuclear fusion reaction
- A nuclear fusion reaction occurs when two hydrogen nuclei combine.
- sustain nuclear fusion
- The reactor must sustain nuclear fusion for several minutes.
- nuclear fusion power
- Nuclear fusion power could provide clean energy in the future.
- nuclear fusion occurs
- Nuclear fusion occurs naturally in stars.
Synonyms and how they differ
- fusion
- A shorter form often used in physics contexts, but it can also mean 'a joining together' in general English, so 'nuclear fusion' is clearer for the atomic process.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: nuclear fusion or nuclear fission?
nuclear fusion vs nuclear fission
Fission splits a heavy atom into smaller ones, while fusion joins light atoms. Both release energy, but they are opposite processes.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'nuclear fusion' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Nuclear fusion is the joining of light nuclei, often releasing energy. Option 0 describes nuclear fission, not fusion. Option 2 confuses it with burning (a chemical reaction). Option 3 is wrong because radioactive decay is a different process.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “nuclear fusion”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.