Atomic Structure: Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear fusion is a process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a single, heavier nucleus.
This process usually involves hydrogen isotopes like deuterium and tritium.
The nuclei need to overcome electrostatic repulsion to combine, requiring very high temperatures and pressures.

Nuclear Fusion and Energy Release

During nuclear fusion, a large amount of energy is released because the mass of the resulting heavy nucleus is less than the sum of the original masses of the two lighter nuclei. This principle is explained by Einstein’s mass-energy equivalence theory, E=mc^2.
The energy released is even greater than that released during nuclear fission.
Fusion reactions are responsible for the energy produced by the sun and other stars.

Challenges of Achieving Nuclear Fusion on Earth

The high temperature and pressure required for nuclear fusion make it challenging to achieve and maintain fusion reactions on Earth.
These conditions are achieved in nuclear fusion reactors, also known as tokamaks, which use powerful magnetic fields to confine the plasma.
The challenge remains to net more energy from the reaction than is used in creating and sustaining the high temperature and pressure conditions.

The potential of Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear fusion has significant potential as a future energy source due to the abundance of hydrogen, the low risk of nuclear accidents, and the minimal radioactive waste produced.
However, the practical difficulties of sustaining a controlled fusion reaction for power production are currently unresolved.

Key Takeaways

Nuclear fusion involves the combining of two light atomic nuclei to form a single, heavier nucleus.
The resulting heavier nucleus has slightly less mass than the combined mass of the two original nuclei, and the missing mass is converted to energy, according to the equation E=mc^2.
Achieving conditions for sustainable nuclear fusion on Earth presents significant scientific and engineering challenges, but successful development would offer a near-limitless, clean energy source.