Nuclear Fusion: Definition, Occurrence, Reaction and Example

Nuclear Fusion is a reaction in which two or more small nuclei combine together to form a large nucleus. It is generally called a nuclear process in which the energy is produced due to smashing of two or more small atoms. This process can be applied on elements with low atomic numbers such as Hydrogen.

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This process produces a massive amount of energy where large and heavy isotopes are separated. The word ‘Nuclear Fusion’ is taken from two words which are ‘Nuclear’ and ‘Fusion’. Nuclear means using the energy produced by separating the nucleus and Fusion means a reaction in which two atoms of hydrogen combine to form an atom of helium.

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History of Nuclear Fusion

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In previous times, nuclear fusion has been studied for developing thermonuclear weapons. Since the year 1940, a better understanding of nuclear fusion has been developed for more effective practical energy production.

Nuclear Power Plant

Scientists have also found that plasma cannot be contained at such a high fusion temperature due to the expansion of hot gases present in the reaction. In the year 1950, plasma theory was introduced with the aim of exploring the behavior of plasma.

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Concept of Hydrogen and its Isotopes

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Through the study of Nuclear Fusion, it is understood that Hydrogen is the lightest periodic element. One more aspect of Hydrogen is that it has three isotopes of Hydrogen consisting of Hydrogen, deuterium, and tritium.

• Hydrogen has a single proton and an electron.
• Deuterium has one neutron along with protons and electrons.
• Tritium has two neutrons along with protons and electrons.

Deuterium can replace one atom of hydrogen in water by which it can become heavy water and Tritium is 3 times heavier than Hydrogen.

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How does Nuclear Fusion work?

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Deuterium and Tritium fuses together and their components are mixed together to form an atom of Helium and a fast neutron. The extra mass is then converted into Kinetic Energy due to the recombination of two powerful isotopes. The Nuclei should be close to the reaction so that the nuclear forces become charged and will react better.

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Fusion Power

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We have already studied a reaction in which two isotopes are fused together to form a helium and a neutron. The leftover extra energy is converted into Kinetic Energy, according to the famous formula developed by Albert Einstein:

E = mc²

In a fusion cycle, Helium is prepared which is the next heaviest element to the isotopes of Hydrogen.

In extremely high temperatures, electrons will get separated from the atomic nuclei by which it will form plasma. Under these conditions, positive nuclei are kept apart whereas light elements are taken to form other elements.

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Nuclear Fusion in the Universe

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The sun and stars get their powers through nuclear fusion. Every star in the universe is ultimately alive due to the occurrence of nuclear fusion in it. Nuclear Fusion is the process in which a big amount of heat and energy is produced due to the reaction of atoms in the universe. Pressure in the stars is very high because of the occurrence of nuclear fusion in them.

The temperature of the sun in the universe is around 15 million degrees Celsius. This causes the two isotopes of Hydrogen to convert into Helium with a massive amount of heat and energy. A very high-pressure is asserted at this high temperature. Various reactions take place in the sun where around 600 million tons of Hydrogen is converted to the various Helium atoms every second.

 

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Advantages of Nuclear Fusion

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• There is no air pollution in Nuclear Fusion as no combustion occurs in it.
• There is very little nuclear waste produced in the process of nuclear fusion.
• Unlike fission reactors, the waste will not be of weapons-grade nuclear materials.
• Isotopes of Hydrogen used in the process of Nuclear Fusion are easily available in nature.
• Nuclear Fusion will be a major power source in the future as predicted by scientists.

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Points to Remember

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• Nuclear Fusion is a reaction where two or more light nuclei collide with each other causing the formation of a heavier nucleus. 
• It is the opposite of nuclear fission reaction.
• Isotopes of Hydrogen: Deuterium and Tritium fuse together, and are recombined to form a Helium atom and a Neutron.
• The Sun and stars in the universe are powered through Nuclear fusion. The high pressure at the core of stars is where the nuclear fusion process occurs. 

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Sample Questions

Ques: What is the difference between nuclear fusion and nuclear fission? (2 marks)

Ans: Nuclear Fusion is the opposite of Nuclear Fission. Nuclear Fusion is a reaction in which some small atoms are combined to form a large atom whereas Nuclear Fission is a process in which a large atom is divided into various smaller atoms.

Ques: What is the lifespan of a nuclear power station for nuclear fusion? (2 marks)

Ans: Experts have identified that the normal lifespan of a nuclear power station is about 40 years. An extension of 20 years has been identified by the scientists in the modern pressurized water reactors. This concept of 20-year extension will expire soon in 2030. However, the maximum life span would be 60 years, for now.

Ques: Which Indian organization oversees the operation of nuclear power stations? (2 marks)

Ans: The overseeing of the operation of nuclear power stations is done by the Indian Organization namely ‘International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’. It is responsible for providing the guidelines for the working of nuclear power stations.

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Ques: Are there any harmful effects of nuclear fusion on the environment? (2 marks)

Ans: No, there are not any harmful effects on the environment as nuclear fusion does not emit harmful atmospheric gases. It does not contribute to Global warming or any kind of disturbance in the atmosphere. There are two sources of fuel available easily on Earth which are Hydrogen and Lithium. Availability of these gases is sufficient on Earth so it would not cause any harmful effect on the environment.

Ques: When is electricity generated through nuclear fusion expected to be available? (2 marks)

Ans: Nuclear Fusion is an extremely high-pressure reaction in which more than 10 megawatts of fusion power is generated. Various big organizations are capable of producing 500 megawatts of power. However, a sustainable fusion reactor is expected to be built by the year 2040 by which power generation can be done easily due to nuclear fusion.

Ques: What is the difference between Nuclear Fusion and Nuclear Fission? (3 marks)

Ans.