Nuclear fusion is a reaction that occurs when two or more atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy in the process. It’s the process that powers the sun and other stars.
Here are some things to know about nuclear fusion:
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How it worksNuclear fusion occurs in a plasma state, which is a hot, charged gas made of free-moving electrons and positive ions. The nuclei collide at extremely high temperatures, overcoming their mutual electrical repulsion.
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Why it worksThe total mass of the resulting nucleus is less than the mass of the two original nuclei, so the leftover mass becomes energy. This is explained by Einstein’s equation, E=mc2, which states that mass and energy can be converted into each other.
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