Nuclear fusion is the process by which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a tremendous amount of energy. This reaction is the fundamental source of energy that powers the Sun and other stars.
How Fusion Works in Stars:
- In the core of the Sun, extreme temperatures and pressures force hydrogen nuclei (protons) to collide and fuse.
- These collisions produce helium nuclei, along with energy in the form of light and heat.
- This energy radiates outward, providing the sunlight and warmth that sustain life on Earth.
Why Fusion Releases Energy:
- The mass of the resulting helium nucleus is slightly less than the sum of the original hydrogen nuclei.
- This “missing” mass is converted into energy, following Einstein’s equation E=mc2E=mc^2.
- The energy produced is enormous, making fusion an incredibly powerful energy source.
Importance of Fusion:
- Fusion is the reason stars shine for billions of years.
- Scientists aim to harness fusion on Earth as a clean and abundant energy source, mimicking the Sun’s process.
- Fusion produces no long-lived radioactive waste, unlike nuclear fission.