Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: it is difficult to control fusion reaction (confinement and stability challenges).
Explanation:
Introduction:
Fusion promises abundant, low-carbon energy, but commercial plants remain elusive. The central challenge is maintaining a stable, high-temperature plasma long enough (adequate confinement time and density) to achieve net energy gain.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Net-positive fusion requires satisfying the Lawson criterion (sufficient product of density, temperature, and confinement time). Achieving and controlling these conditions without excessive losses or instabilities is the core obstacle.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Evaluate scarcity claim: Deuterium is abundant; tritium can be bred from lithium. Fuel scarcity is not primary.Evaluate initiation difficulty: Ignition is challenging, but the sustained control and confinement for net gain is the deeper issue.Evaluate fuel quantity: Required quantities are tiny; quantity is not the limiting factor.Therefore, the main barrier is control and confinement stability, making (a) the best answer.
Verification / Alternative check:
Research highlights include turbulence suppression, disruption avoidance, and materials able to withstand neutron fluxes, aligning with the control/confinement challenge.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
Equating ignition with commercialization; ignoring engineering challenges in confinement, materials, and tritium breeding.
Final Answer:
it is difficult to control fusion reaction (confinement and stability challenges).
Discussion & Comments