The Process of Nuclear Fusion

What is the process of nuclear fusion?

Answer:

Two nuclei join to form a larger nucleus.

Nuclear fusion is the process by which two atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. This process releases a tremendous amount of energy and is the same process that powers the sun and other stars in the universe.

During nuclear fusion, the nuclei of two atoms are forced together under extreme conditions of temperature and pressure. When these nuclei come into close proximity, they overcome the electrostatic repulsion between the positively charged protons and are able to merge to form a larger nucleus.

This process is different from nuclear fission, where a nucleus splits into smaller pieces. In nuclear fusion, the nuclei join together to create a new element with a higher atomic number.

Nuclear fusion reactions have the potential to provide a virtually limitless source of clean energy, with no greenhouse gas emissions or long-lived radioactive waste. However, achieving controlled nuclear fusion on Earth remains a significant scientific and engineering challenge.