High temperatures are required in thermonuclear fusion so that:
A)some nuclei are moving fast enough to overcome the barrier to fusion
B)there is a high probability some nuclei will strike each other head on
C)the atoms are ionized
D)thermal expansion gives the nuclei more room
E)the uncertainty principle can be circumvented

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

High temperatures are required in thermonuclear fusion so that some nuclei are moving fast enough to overcome the barrier to fusion. This is because fusion involves bringing two atomic nuclei close enough together that the strong nuclear force can overcome the electrostatic repulsion between the positively charged protons in the nuclei. At typical temperatures and pressures, the kinetic energy of the atomic nuclei is not sufficient to overcome the electrostatic barrier, but at extremely high temperatures, some nuclei are moving fast enough that they are able to fuse.

High Temperatures Are Required in Thermonuclear Fusion So That