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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 1 year ago . Marked as helpful (197). Marked as unhelpful (279)

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