The D-T fusion reaction, is the most efficient reaction known in terms of energy released.
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Image courtesy of Plasma Physics Laboratory
Fusion Reactions
The center of an atom is called the
nucleus. Nuclei is the plural of nucleus. When two atoms come together, and their nuclei combine, you have fusion.
Fusion releases energy. By using Einstein's famous equation, E=mc2, scientists can figure out how much energy is released.
Fusion happens most easily in a high density, high temperature environment. Fusion reactions power the Sun
and other stars.
For a fusion reaction to happen, the nuclei have to be very close together. At this point the nuclear force takes effect so the nuclei are pulled together.
On Earth, nuclear fusion was first reached in the explosion of the
Hydrogen bomb.
Fusion has also been reached in different experimental devices that are not being used in a destructive way.
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