Nuclear fusion - Revision history

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Energy>Jmdonev at 20:53, 19 January 2020

2020-01-19T20:53:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:53, 19 January 2020
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	[[category:421 topics]]		[[category:421 topics]]
	[[Category:Done ~~2018~~-08-03]]		[[Category:Done 2020-01-31]]
	[[File:2000px-Deuterium-tritium_fusion.png\|360px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 1. An image showing one type of fusion reaction, specifically deuterium-tritium fusion.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (August 4, 2015). ''Nuclear Fusion'' [Online]. Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3b/Deuterium-tritium_fusion.svg/2000px-Deuterium-tritium_fusion.svg.png</ref>]]		[[File:2000px-Deuterium-tritium_fusion.png\|360px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 1. An image showing one type of fusion reaction, specifically deuterium-tritium fusion.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (August 4, 2015). ''Nuclear Fusion'' [Online]. Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3b/Deuterium-tritium_fusion.svg/2000px-Deuterium-tritium_fusion.svg.png</ref>]]

	<onlyinclude>'''Nuclear fusion''' is a type of nuclear reaction where two light [[nucleus\|nuclei]] collide together to form a single, heavier nucleus.</onlyinclude> ~~The products of this reaction are generally unstable compound nuclei, and thus they [[radioactive decay\|decay]] into more stable daughter products. This fusion~~ results in a release of [[energy]] because the [[mass]] of the new nucleus is less than the sum of the original masses. Based on the principle of [[mass-energy equivalence]], this mass difference means that some mass has been converted into energy.<ref name="RE1">HyperPhysics. (August 4, 2015). ''Nuclear Fusiom'' [Online]. Available: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/nucene/fusion.html</ref> For elements lighter than [[iron]], fusion ~~yields~~ energy. For elements heavier than iron, it is ~~instead~~ a ~~process of [[fission]] that results in a yield of energy~~.		<onlyinclude>'''Nuclear fusion''' is a type of nuclear reaction where two light [[nucleus\|nuclei]] collide together to form a single, heavier nucleus.</onlyinclude> Fusion results in a release of [[energy]] because the [[mass]] of the new nucleus is less than the sum of the original masses. Based on the principle of [[mass-energy equivalence]], this mass difference means that some mass that was "lost" has been converted into energy.<ref name="RE1">HyperPhysics. (August 4, 2015). ''Nuclear Fusiom'' [Online]. Available: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/nucene/fusion.html</ref> For elements lighter than [[iron]], fusion often releases energy. For elements heavier than iron, it takes energy to cause fusion to happen. In order to make elements heavier than iron either a high energy particle beam is required, or a supernova.

	Although ~~there is~~ a ~~large yield in~~ energy ~~from the nuclear fusion process~~, ~~there are forces that must be overcome to initiate~~ this process. ~~A lot of~~ energy is ~~required~~ to overcome the [[Coulomb force\|Coulomb repulsion]] that exists between the protons in the nuclei ~~that are being pushed together~~. ~~As well, the hydrogen~~ atoms must be pushed close enough together so that the [[strong nuclear force]] can ~~begin to act, but this requires a very small separation~~. ~~This~~ is ~~part of what~~ makes ~~controlled~~ fusion difficult to achieve.<ref name="RE1"/>		Although the fusion of small atoms gives off a '''lot''' of energy, initiating this process requires a significant amount of energy. This energy is needed to overcome the [[Coulomb force\|Coulomb repulsion]] that exists between the protons the two different nuclei. Hydrogen atoms must be pushed close enough together so that the [[strong nuclear force]] can overcome the coulomb repulsion. The initial energy needed is a major factor which makes fusion difficult to achieve.<ref name="RE1"/>

	==Types of Fusion Reactions==		==Types of Fusion Reactions==

	There are several different types of fusion reactions, but most involve two [[isotope]]s of [[hydrogen]] known as [[deuterium]] and [[tritium]]. Some fusion reactions include:<ref name="RE2"> Craig Freudenrich. (August 4, 2015). ''Physics of Nuclear Fusion Reactions'' [Online]. Available: http://science.howstuffworks.com/fusion-reactor1.htm</ref>		There are several different types of fusion reactions, but most involve two [[isotope]]s of [[hydrogen]] known as [[deuterium]] and [[tritium]]. Some fusion reactions include:<ref name="RE2"> Craig Freudenrich. (August 4, 2015). ''Physics of Nuclear Fusion Reactions'' [Online]. Available: http://science.howstuffworks.com/fusion-reactor1.htm</ref>
	* '''[[Nuclear fusion in the Sun\|Proton-proton chain]]''': This type of fusion reaction is the one that takes place in the [[Sun]]. ~~Here~~ two pairs of ~~protons~~ collide and become two atoms of deuterium. Each deuterium them combines again with a proton to form [[helium\|helium-3]], which combine again and eventually form helium-4.
	* '''Deuterium-deuterium reactions''': ~~Here two~~ deuterium atoms combine to form helium-3 and a [[neutron]].		* '''[[Nuclear fusion in the Sun\|Proton-proton chain]]''': This type of fusion reaction is the one that takes place in the [[Sun]]. Two pairs of protons (two pairs of hydrogen atoms) collide and become two atoms of [[deuterium]]. Each deuterium them combines again with a proton (hydrogen) to form [[helium\|helium-3]], which combine again and eventually form helium-4.
	* '''Deuterium-trituim reactions''': ~~Here~~ one atom of deuterium combines with one atom of tritium to form helium-4 and a neutron. Most of the energy released here is in the form of a high-energy neutron. This process is shown in Figure 1 and an animation is shown in Figure 2.
			* '''Deuterium-deuterium reactions''': a pair of deuterium atoms combine to form helium-3 and a [[neutron]].

			* '''Deuterium-trituim reactions''': for this to occur, one atom of deuterium combines with one atom of tritium to form helium-4 and a neutron. Most of the energy released here is in the form of a high-energy neutron. This process is shown in Figure 1 and an animation is shown in Figure 2.

	[[File:Animated_D-T_fusion.gif\|400px\|framed\|center\|Figure 1. An animation showing deuterium-tritium fusion.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (July 31, 2015). ''Animated D-T Fusion'' [Online]. Available: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Animated_D-T_fusion.gif#/media/File:Animated_D-T_fusion.gif</ref>]]		[[File:Animated_D-T_fusion.gif\|400px\|framed\|center\|Figure 1. An animation showing deuterium-tritium fusion.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (July 31, 2015). ''Animated D-T Fusion'' [Online]. Available: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Animated_D-T_fusion.gif#/media/File:Animated_D-T_fusion.gif</ref>]]

	==Use in Energy Generation==		==Use in Energy Generation==
	~~There currently exists~~ no large-scale fusion reactor that could provide energy for use. This is because it has been difficult for scientists to create a controllable, non-destructive way of harnessing the energy released during fusion.<ref name="RE2"/> The process of fusion is difficult to control largely because of the extreme conditions necessary for the reactions to take place.		Currently, there are no large-scale fusion reactor that could provide energy for commercial use. This is because it has been difficult for scientists to create a controllable, non-destructive way of harnessing the energy released during fusion.<ref name="RE2"/> The process of fusion is difficult to control largely because of the extreme conditions necessary for the reactions to take place.

			First, fusion requires both extremely high [[temperature]]s to give hydrogen atoms enough energy to overcome repulsion between the protons. Energy from microwaves or lasers must be used to heat hydrogen atoms to the necessary temperatures. At these temperatures, hydrogen is a [[plasma]], and this plasma must be sufficiently contained for fusion to continue, and safety.<ref name="RE2"/> Second, high [[pressure]]s are needed to squeeze hydrogen atoms close enough to fuse. This process is done by using intense [[magnetic field]]s, lasers, or ion beams.<ref name="RE2"/>

	~~First~~, fusion ~~requires both extremely high [[temperature]]s to give hydrogen atoms enough energy to overcome repulsion between the protons. Energy from microwaves or lasers must be used to heat hydrogen atoms to~~ the necessary temperatures. At these temperatures, hydrogen is a [[plasma]], and this plasma must be sufficiently contained for fusion to continue as well as for safety.<ref name="RE2"/> Second, high [[pressure]]s are ~~needed to squeeze hydrogen atoms close enough to fuse. Again, this is done by using intense [[magnetic field]]s, lasers, or ion beams~~.<ref name="~~RE2~~"/>		For potential nuclear energy sources, the deuterium-tritium fusion reaction is most likely because the conditions are less extreme.<ref name="RE1"/>

	~~For potential nuclear energy sources~~, the ~~deuterium-tritium~~ fusion ~~reaction~~ is ~~most likely simply because~~ the ~~conditions are less extreme~~.<ref ~~name="RE1"~~/>		Currently, the largest fusion effort is the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor or ITER in France. This reactor began construction in 2013 and uses a confinement method known as a Tokamak. This Tokamak provides a way to magnetically confine the hot plasma required for fusion. The experimental phase of ITER is expected to begin in 2027.<ref>ITER. (August 4, 2015). ''ITER - the way to new energy'' [Online]. Available: https://www.iter.org/</ref> For more information on this project, click [https://www.iter.org/ here].

	Currently, the largest fusion effort is the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor or ITER in France. This reactor began construction in 2013 and uses a confiment method known as a Tokamak. This Tokamak provides a ~~way to magnetically confine the hot plasma required for fusion. The experimental phase of ITER is expected to begin in 2027.<ref>ITER. (August 4, 2015). ''ITER - the way to new energy''~~ [~~Online]. Available: https://www.iter.org/</ref> For more information on this project, click~~ [~~https~~:~~//www.iter.org/ here~~].		==For Further Reading==
			*[[Nuclear fission]]
			*[[Coulomb force]]
			*[[Strong force]]
			*[[Proton]]
			*[[Nuclear chain reaction]]
			*Or explore a [[Special:Random\|random page]]

	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist}}[[Category:Uploaded]]		{{reflist}}[[Category:Uploaded]]

Jmdonev at 05:26, 8 March 2019

2019-03-08T05:26:01Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:26, 8 March 2019
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	[[File:2000px-Deuterium-tritium_fusion.png\|360px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 1. An image showing one type of fusion reaction, specifically deuterium-tritium fusion.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (August 4, 2015). ''Nuclear Fusion'' [Online]. Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3b/Deuterium-tritium_fusion.svg/2000px-Deuterium-tritium_fusion.svg.png</ref>]]		[[File:2000px-Deuterium-tritium_fusion.png\|360px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 1. An image showing one type of fusion reaction, specifically deuterium-tritium fusion.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (August 4, 2015). ''Nuclear Fusion'' [Online]. Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3b/Deuterium-tritium_fusion.svg/2000px-Deuterium-tritium_fusion.svg.png</ref>]]

	<onlyinclude>'''Nuclear fusion''' is a type of nuclear reaction where two light [[nucleus\|nuclei]] collide together to form a single, heavier nucleus.</onlyinclude> The products of this reaction are generally unstable compound nuclei, and thus they [[radioactive decay\|decay]] into more stable daughter products. This fusion results in a release of [[energy]] because the [[mass]] of the new nucleus is less than the sum of the original masses. Based on the principle of [[mass-energy equivalence]], this mass difference means that some mass has been converted into energy.<ref name="RE1">HyperPhysics. (August 4, 2015). ''Nuclear Fusiom'' [Online]. Available: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/nucene/fusion.html</ref> For elements lighter than [[iron]], fusion yields energy. For elements ~~lighter~~ than iron, it is instead a process of [[fission]] that results in a yield of energy.		<onlyinclude>'''Nuclear fusion''' is a type of nuclear reaction where two light [[nucleus\|nuclei]] collide together to form a single, heavier nucleus.</onlyinclude> The products of this reaction are generally unstable compound nuclei, and thus they [[radioactive decay\|decay]] into more stable daughter products. This fusion results in a release of [[energy]] because the [[mass]] of the new nucleus is less than the sum of the original masses. Based on the principle of [[mass-energy equivalence]], this mass difference means that some mass has been converted into energy.<ref name="RE1">HyperPhysics. (August 4, 2015). ''Nuclear Fusiom'' [Online]. Available: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/nucene/fusion.html</ref> For elements lighter than [[iron]], fusion yields energy. For elements heavier than iron, it is instead a process of [[fission]] that results in a yield of energy.

	Although there is a large yield in energy from the nuclear fusion process, there are forces that must be overcome to initiate this process. A lot of energy is required to overcome the [[Coulomb force\|Coulomb repulsion]] that exists between the protons in the nuclei that are being pushed together. As well, the hydrogen atoms must be pushed close enough together so that the [[strong nuclear force]] can begin to act, but this requires a very small separation. This is part of what makes controlled fusion difficult to achieve.<ref name="RE1"/>		Although there is a large yield in energy from the nuclear fusion process, there are forces that must be overcome to initiate this process. A lot of energy is required to overcome the [[Coulomb force\|Coulomb repulsion]] that exists between the protons in the nuclei that are being pushed together. As well, the hydrogen atoms must be pushed close enough together so that the [[strong nuclear force]] can begin to act, but this requires a very small separation. This is part of what makes controlled fusion difficult to achieve.<ref name="RE1"/>

Jmdonev: 1 revision imported

2018-09-03T22:23:41Z

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energy>Jmdonev at 20:58, 26 August 2018

2018-08-26T20:58:09Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:58, 26 August 2018
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	[[category:421 topics]]		[[category:421 topics]]
	[[Category:Done ~~2015~~-08-21]]		[[Category:Done 2018-08-03]]
	[[File:2000px-Deuterium-tritium_fusion.png\|360px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 1. An image showing one type of fusion reaction, specifically deuterium-tritium fusion.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (August 4, 2015). ''Nuclear Fusion'' [Online]. Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3b/Deuterium-tritium_fusion.svg/2000px-Deuterium-tritium_fusion.svg.png</ref>]]		[[File:2000px-Deuterium-tritium_fusion.png\|360px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 1. An image showing one type of fusion reaction, specifically deuterium-tritium fusion.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (August 4, 2015). ''Nuclear Fusion'' [Online]. Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3b/Deuterium-tritium_fusion.svg/2000px-Deuterium-tritium_fusion.svg.png</ref>]]

J.williams: 1 revision imported

2015-08-26T21:31:54Z

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J.williams at 18:50, 24 August 2015

2015-08-24T18:50:45Z

New page

[[category:421 topics]]
[[Category:Done 2015-08-21]]
[[File:2000px-Deuterium-tritium_fusion.png|360px|thumb|right|Figure 1. An image showing one type of fusion reaction, specifically deuterium-tritium fusion.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (August 4, 2015). ''Nuclear Fusion'' [Online]. Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3b/Deuterium-tritium_fusion.svg/2000px-Deuterium-tritium_fusion.svg.png</ref>]]

<onlyinclude>'''Nuclear fusion''' is a type of nuclear reaction where two light [[nucleus|nuclei]] collide together to form a single, heavier nucleus.</onlyinclude> The products of this reaction are generally unstable compound nuclei, and thus they [[radioactive decay|decay]] into more stable daughter products. This fusion results in a release of [[energy]] because the [[mass]] of the new nucleus is less than the sum of the original masses. Based on the principle of [[mass-energy equivalence]], this mass difference means that some mass has been converted into energy.<ref name="RE1">HyperPhysics. (August 4, 2015). ''Nuclear Fusiom'' [Online]. Available: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/nucene/fusion.html</ref> For elements lighter than [[iron]], fusion yields energy. For elements lighter than iron, it is instead a process of [[fission]] that results in a yield of energy.

Although there is a large yield in energy from the nuclear fusion process, there are forces that must be overcome to initiate this process. A lot of energy is required to overcome the [[Coulomb force|Coulomb repulsion]] that exists between the protons in the nuclei that are being pushed together. As well, the hydrogen atoms must be pushed close enough together so that the [[strong nuclear force]] can begin to act, but this requires a very small separation. This is part of what makes controlled fusion difficult to achieve.<ref name="RE1"/>

==Types of Fusion Reactions==
There are several different types of fusion reactions, but most involve two [[isotope]]s of [[hydrogen]] known as [[deuterium]] and [[tritium]]. Some fusion reactions include:<ref name="RE2"> Craig Freudenrich. (August 4, 2015). ''Physics of Nuclear Fusion Reactions'' [Online]. Available: http://science.howstuffworks.com/fusion-reactor1.htm</ref>
* '''[[Nuclear fusion in the Sun|Proton-proton chain]]''': This type of fusion reaction is the one that takes place in the [[Sun]]. Here two pairs of protons collide and become two atoms of deuterium. Each deuterium them combines again with a proton to form [[helium|helium-3]], which combine again and eventually form helium-4.
* '''Deuterium-deuterium reactions''': Here two deuterium atoms combine to form helium-3 and a [[neutron]].
* '''Deuterium-trituim reactions''': Here one atom of deuterium combines with one atom of tritium to form helium-4 and a neutron. Most of the energy released here is in the form of a high-energy neutron. This process is shown in Figure 1 and an animation is shown in Figure 2.

[[File:Animated_D-T_fusion.gif|400px|framed|center|Figure 1. An animation showing deuterium-tritium fusion.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (July 31, 2015). ''Animated D-T Fusion'' [Online]. Available: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Animated_D-T_fusion.gif#/media/File:Animated_D-T_fusion.gif</ref>]]

==Use in Energy Generation==
There currently exists no large-scale fusion reactor that could provide energy for use. This is because it has been difficult for scientists to create a controllable, non-destructive way of harnessing the energy released during fusion.<ref name="RE2"/> The process of fusion is difficult to control largely because of the extreme conditions necessary for the reactions to take place.

First, fusion requires both extremely high [[temperature]]s to give hydrogen atoms enough energy to overcome repulsion between the protons. Energy from microwaves or lasers must be used to heat hydrogen atoms to the necessary temperatures. At these temperatures, hydrogen is a [[plasma]], and this plasma must be sufficiently contained for fusion to continue as well as for safety.<ref name="RE2"/> Second, high [[pressure]]s are needed to squeeze hydrogen atoms close enough to fuse. Again, this is done by using intense [[magnetic field]]s, lasers, or ion beams.<ref name="RE2"/>

For potential nuclear energy sources, the deuterium-tritium fusion reaction is most likely simply because the conditions are less extreme.<ref name="RE1"/>

Currently, the largest fusion effort is the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor or ITER in France. This reactor began construction in 2013 and uses a confiment method known as a Tokamak. This Tokamak provides a way to magnetically confine the hot plasma required for fusion. The experimental phase of ITER is expected to begin in 2027.<ref>ITER. (August 4, 2015). ''ITER - the way to new energy'' [Online]. Available: https://www.iter.org/</ref> For more information on this project, click [https://www.iter.org/ here].

==References==
{{reflist}}[[Category:Uploaded]]