A LITTLE ABOUT ATOMS
4. Nuclear reactions – fission
5. Nuclear reactions - fusion
NUCLEAR REACTIONS - FUSION
If Hydrogen atoms are placed under conditions of extreme pressure and very high temperature they can be forced together to produce Helium atoms.
In a practical reaction an atom of the Hydrogen isotope Deuterium and one of the Hydrogen isotope Tritium fuse to produce one atom of Helium and a neutron. Because the total mass of the Helium atom and the neutron is less than the total mass of the two Hydrogen atoms the missing mass is converted into energy.
To date because of the high temperature and pressure involved it has not been possible to harness this reaction for the production of energy. A lot of research is being conducted and it is hoped that one day our energy needs might be met using nuclear fusion. The fuels required can be obtained from sea water and there is no radioactive waste.
Nuclear fusion also takes place in a hydrogen bomb. The energy is released in a short time resulting in a massive explosion.
Stars (including the Sun) are powered by fusion although the reactions are different to the one discussed.
See also - fusion reactions in stars here >>