Nuclear fusion

• Nuclear fusion - when two 'light' nuclei fuse together to form a heavier one
• During nuclear fusion the mass of the new heavy nucleus is less that the sum of the two light nuclei
• How is energy released from nuclear fusion?

  • When the two light nuclei fuse together, the new nucleus's mass is smaller that sum of the two light nuclei.
  • So the lost mass is converted into energy which is released.
• Why is it difficult to generate energy through nuclear fusion;

  • The fusion requires high temperatures to occur, which requires a lot of energy.
  • Also requires a casing which can withstand the high temperature.