Nuclear Fusion

• The process by which small nuclei will join together to form a larger nucleus
• The binding energy per nucleon also increases in this process (provided that the nucleon number is no greater than about 50)
• The energy released in fusion reactions per unit mass can be up to 10 times that of fission reactions because the change in the binding energy per nucleon for fusion can be so much greater than for fission
• In order for nuclear fusion to occur:

  1. Extremely high temperatures must be reached
  2. and plasma (the hydrogen nuclei) must be contained/ controlled with a very strong magnetic field
• The high temperatures and pressures are required to overcome the electrostatic repulsion between the positively charged nuclei
• What are the potential benefits of nuclear fusion as an energy resource?

  • There is no radioactive nuclear waste produced. The reaction product, helium is harmless
  • Clean energy as no greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere
  • The fuel for fusions readily available as heavy hydrogen naturally occurs in sea water