Nuclear Fusion
Nuclear Fusion is a process in which two or more smaller nuclei collide and form a new, larger nucleus. In some fusion reactions, a neutron, proton, or beta particle can be emitted. In fusion of lighter nuclei, energy is always released.
Nuclear Fusion is a process in which two or more smaller nuclei collide and form a new, larger nucleus. In some fusion reactions, a neutron, proton, or beta particle can be emitted. In fusion of lighter nuclei, energy is always released.
Nuclear Fusion is a process in which two or more smaller nuclei collide and form a new, larger nucleus. In some fusion reactions, a neutron, proton, or beta particle can be emitted. In fusion of lighter nuclei, energy is always released.
n p n n p Deuterium Tritium Hydrogen-2 Hydrogen-3
n p n n p Deuterium Tritium Hydrogen-2 Hydrogen-3
n p n n p
n p n n p
n p n n p
n p n n p
n p n p n Energy
n p n p n
n p n p n A helium-4 nucleus
n p n p n Energy A helium-4 nucleus
n p n p n Energy A helium-4 nucleus
n p n p n Energy A neutron
n p n p n Energy A neutron
n p n p n Energy
n p n p n
n p n p n
n p n n p Deuterium Tritium Hydrogen-2 Hydrogen-3 +
n p n n p Deuterium Tritium Hydrogen-2 Hydrogen-3 +
n p n n p + + n p n p n + + Energy
n p n n p + + n p n p n + +
n p n n p + n p n p n + + +
n p n n p + + n p n p n + +
n p n n p + n p n p n + + +
n p n n p + + n p n p n + +
n p n n p + n p n p n + + 2p 3n +
n p n n p + + n p n p n + + Energy 2p 3n
n p n n p + + n p n p n + + Energy Total charge = 1+1 = +2
n p n n p + + n p n p n + + Energy Total charge = 2+0 = +2 Total charge = 1+1 = +2
n p n n p + + n p n p n + + Energy Total mass = = 5
n p n n p + + n p n p n + + Energy Total mass = = 5 Total mass = = 5
n p n n p +
n p n n p
n + n n +
n + n n + Repulsive Force
n + n n + High KE
n + n n + Repulsive Force High KE Extremely high temperatures: 100 million-200 million ° C
n + n n + Repulsive Force High KE Extremely high temperatures: 100 million-200 million ° C
n + n n + The strong nuclear force holds these protons together
Fusion Reactions in the Sun
Fusion Reactions in Stars
The remnants of a supernova Heavier elements are formed by an exploding star, called a supernova. Here, the energy is high enough to allow larger nuclei to fuse together.
The remnants of a supernova Heavier elements are formed by an exploding star, called a supernova. Here, the energy is high enough to allow larger nuclei to fuse together.
Fusion as a Power Source Scientists have known about nuclear fusion since the early 1930’s. Their goal is to someday use controlled fusion as a way of producing power. However, extremely high temperatures are required and it is very hard to contain the mixture of fusing elements called plasma. So fusion reactors are not yet a practical source of power, but people are hopeful that some day it will be.
Fusion as a Power Source Scientists have known about nuclear fusion since the early 1930’s. Their goal is to someday use controlled fusion as a way of producing power. However, extremely high temperatures are required and it is very hard to contain the mixture of fusing elements called plasma. So fusion reactors are not yet a practical source of power, but people are hopeful that some day it will be.
Fusion as a Power Source Scientists have known about nuclear fusion since the early 1930’s. Their goal is to someday use controlled fusion as a way of producing power. However, extremely high temperatures are required and it is very hard to contain the mixture of fusing elements called plasma. So fusion reactors are not yet a practical source of power, but people are hopeful that some day it will be.
Fusion as a Power Source Scientists have known about nuclear fusion since the early 1930’s. Their goal is to someday use controlled fusion as a way of producing power. However, extremely high temperatures are required and it is very hard to contain the mixture of fusing elements called plasma. So fusion reactors are not yet a practical source of power, but people are hopeful that some day they will be.