Tell me about nuclear fusion? ...[Show More]
10 months ago
Nuclear fusion is a complicated and
interesting phenomenon in which two atomic nuclei combine to generate a more
massive nucleus. Scientists think nuclear fusion has enormous promise for
clean, almost endless energy generation on Earth. Nuclear fusion generates the
energy that drives the sun and other stars. Nuclear fusion is still an arduous
field of study, with many unsolved problems and technical challenges to
overcome, despite decades of effort.
When two atomic nuclei collide
violently enough to overcome the electromagnetic attraction between their
positively charged protons, nuclear fusion is taking place. A significant
quantity of energy is released because of the nuclei joining together to
produce a heavier nucleus. Deuterium, tritium, and other hydrogen isotopes
combine to generate helium and a neutron in the most promising fusion processes
for the generation of energy.
Nuclear fusion cannot take place
unless the ferociously hot temperatures are generated. Due to the extremely
high temperatures present in these circumstances, it is essential to contain
the heated plasma where the fusion takes place. There are two methods for
producing these conditions: magnetic confinement fusion, which uses magnetic
fields to compress and heat the plasma, and inertial confinement fusion, which
uses powerful laser beams to compress and heat a tiny target.
In conclusion, clean energy can be
produced through nuclear fusion, although there might be some technical challenges.
There is also no production of greenhouse gases or radioactive waste unlike
fossil fuels. Nuclear fusion can obtain large amounts of fuels needed from
seawater and the earth’s crust. There is a great potential for completely
altering the way energy through nuclear fusion. We would be giving future generations
safe and abundant energy supply.
References
"Nuclear
Fusion." ITER - the Way to New Energy. https://www.iter.org/sci/Fusion
"Fusion
Energy." U.S. Department of Energy. https://www.energy.gov/science/fusion-energy
"Nuclear
Fusion: The Energy of the Future?" European Nuclear Society. https://www.euronuclear.org/info/encyclopedia/n/nuclear-fusion-energy-of-the-future.htm
By Shem Kipkoech 2 months ago . Marked as helpful (27). Marked as unhelpful (26)