7 Facts On Is nuclear fusion possible: Where, How, When

Nuclear fusion is the combination of two or more nuclei into a single nucleus. In this article, we shall discuss whether nuclear fusion is possible or not with minute details.

Nuclear fusion is possible if the nucleus of an atom collides with one another and their binding energy is utilized to make a new atom releasing a few neutrinos as the byproduct during the reaction. The resulting atom has the addition of neutron number of both the bombarding nuclei and the larger radius.

The nuclear fusion technique can be used to generate thermal power plants, nuclear power plants, etc. We shall talk about nuclear fusion in the stars and the consequences of nuclear fusion. We shall discuss the nuclear fission possibilities in the laboratory and various other facts.

Is nuclear fusion possible on earth?

The earth has the most radioactive matter and prolonged exposure to heat helps in metamorphism. Let us see whether it is suitable for nuclear fusion on earth.

Nuclear fusion is impossible on Earth even in the presence of radioactive elements because the temperature and pressure on the Earth are not high enough for nuclear fusion to take place. The fusion may occur in the Earth’s interior as the pressure & the temperature increase with the depth due to the overlaying weight.

Is nuclear fusion possible in a laboratory?

To carry out nuclear fusion in the laboratory, the necessary condition has to be implemented. Let us discuss whether nuclear fusion is possible in the laboratory or not.

Nuclear fusion is not possible in the laboratory because an immense temperature of nearly about 100 million Kelvin is required for the process of nuclear fusion which is obviously not possible in the laboratory.Even if the temperature of this range is produced in the laboratory by superheating the gas then it is risky.

Is cold nuclear fusion possible?

Cold nuclear fusion is a nuclear fusion occurred at cold temperatures than normal thermonuclear fusion. Let us discuss whether cold nuclear fusion is possible.

Cold nuclear fusion is not possible because the two nuclei cannot come within the nuclear distance to fuse together at cold temperatures due to the repulsive force between the two.  Also, the energized neutrons and gamma rays are not produced in the cold nuclear fusion reaction to carry out the fusion further.

Is controlled nuclear fusion possible?

The nuclear fusion carried out by controlling the rate of fusion is called controlled nuclear fusion. Let us see whether controlled nuclear fusion is possible or not.

Controlled nuclear fusion is possible and can be achieved by reducing the number of neutrinos in the reactor and also by decreasing the velocity of the nuclei. It can also be accomplished by reducing the temperature of the reactor which will decrease the heat energy supplied to the colliding nuclei.

cold fusion
Image Credit: Cold fusion apparatus by Stevenkrivit (CC-BY-SA-3.0)

Why is nuclear fusion possible in the cores of stars?

Nuclear fusion in stars is very essential to generate supernovas and takes place at the core of the stars. Let us discuss why it is possible only in the cores of stars.

Nuclear fusion is possible in the stars’ core because the temperature at the stellar core is very high and efficient for nuclear fusion, due to which the atoms are more agile in this region and the chances of atom collision are high. The temperature falls exponentially as the distance from the core rises.

What happens after nuclear fusion?

Nuclear fusion is responsible to produce high energy and radiation. Let us discuss in brief the post-process and consequences of nuclear fusion.

Nuclear fusion results in the production of neutrons and protons and the new heavy atoms along with the gamma rays. The neutrons thus produced bombards with other atoms and give away their energy to the atom. The unstable atom converts its energy into kinetic energy and collides further with another atom on its way.

What happens to a star after nuclear fusion?

The hydrogen combines to form helium at the core of a star. Let us discuss what happens to a star after nuclear fusion with detailed facts.

The star collapses to form supernovas and becomes a white dwarf or explodes after a nuclear fusion is over. Once all the stages of nuclear fusion in a star are completed the outward force produced by the fusion is diminished and it fails to attain its equilibrium state increasing the gravitational force of attraction.

How long does nuclear fusion take?

The nuclear fusion reaction requires energy to perturb the system. Let us discuss the time duration for the sustentation of the nuclear fusion reactions.

Nuclear fusion can last for a few years to trillions of years depending upon the volume of the matter and the rate of nuclear fusion. Nuclear fusion can take place until the stable atomic nuclear is formed which does not fuse further to produce nuclear fusion and energy in the form of agile neutrons.

Conclusion

We can conclude with this article that nuclear fusion occurs only in the region having high temperatures of approx. one million Kelvin and high pressure that makes atoms unstable. Nuclear fusion is carried at the star’s core and is difficult to produce on the Earth or in the laboratory.

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