In the process of nuclear fusion, several key steps occur:
1. High temperatures and pressures are needed to initiate nuclear fusion. This typically happens in the core of stars, where immense gravitational forces generate the required conditions for fusion to take place.
2. Two light atomic nuclei, usually isotopes of hydrogen (deuterium and tritium), combine to form a heavier nucleus. For example, in the case of hydrogen isotopes, deuterium and tritium combine to form helium.
3. As the nuclei fuse together, a tremendous amount of energy is released in the form of gamma rays and kinetic energy of the particles involved in the reaction.
4. This released energy is what powers stars, including our Sun. The continuous fusion reactions in the Sun's core produce heat and light that sustain life on Earth.
5. Controlled nuclear fusion is actively researched for its potential as a clean and virtually limitless energy source on Earth. In fusion reactors, such as tokamaks, scientists aim to replicate the conditions found in stars to harness fusion energy for electricity generation.
Overall, nuclear fusion is a process where light atomic nuclei combine to form heavier nuclei, releasing significant amounts of energy in the process. It is a fundamental process that powers stars and holds promise for sustainable energy production on Earth.
