nuclear fusion

Table of Contents

Introduction
The fusion reaction
- Two types of fusion reactions
- Energy released in fusion reactions
- Rate and yield of fusion reactions
- The plasma state
- Fusion reactions in stars
- Fusion reactions for controlled power generation
Methods of achieving fusion energy
- Magnetic confinement
- Inertial confinement fusion (ICF)
- Muon-catalyzed fusion
- Cold fusion and bubble fusion
- Conditions for practical fusion yield
History of fusion energy research

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Science & Tech

nuclear fusion

physics

Also known as: atomic fusion, fusion, thermonuclear fusion

Written by Robert W. Conn

Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Apr 7, 2024 • Article History

laser-activated fusion

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Category: Science & Tech

Key People:: Yevgeny Konstantinovich Zavoysky; Hans Bethe; Igor Vasilyevich Kurchatov; Lyman Spitzer; Gersh Itskovich Budker

Related Topics:: fusion reactor; nuclear energy; proton-proton chain; nucleosynthesis; CNO cycle

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Recent News

Apr. 3, 2024, 11:18 PM ET (MSN)

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Apr. 2, 2024, 12:07 AM ET (CNN)

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nuclear fusion, process by which nuclear reactions between light elements form heavier elements (up to iron). In cases where the interacting nuclei belong to elements with low atomic numbers (e.g., hydrogen [atomic number 1] or its isotopes deuterium and tritium), substantial amounts of energy are released. The vast energy potential of nuclear fusion was first exploited in thermonuclear weapons, or hydrogen bombs, which were developed in the decade immediately following World War II. For a detailed history of this development, see nuclear weapon. Meanwhile, the potential peaceful applications of nuclear fusion, especially in view of the essentially limitless supply of ...(100 of 5656 words)

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