# Explain why nuclear fusion is considered a potentially more desirable energy source for the future than nuclear fission, despite fusion not yet being used in power stations.

> Eduqas GCSE Physics — 9.4 Nuclear fission and fusion · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Nuclear fusion produces a large amount of energy (from a small amount of fuel / per reaction)
2. The fuel for fusion (hydrogen isotopes / deuterium / tritium) is abundant / readily available
3. Nuclear fusion does not produce (long-lived) radioactive waste / products are less hazardous than fission waste
4. Fusion requires extremely high temperatures / pressures that are currently too difficult / expensive to sustain, so it has not yet been achieved at a practical scale

## Key terms

- [nuclear fusion](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/nuclear-fusion)
- [nuclear fission](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/nuclear-fission)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Physics](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-nuclear-fusion-is-considered-a1bae85a) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.