There are two forms of thermonuclear fusion (nuclear fusion):
- Uncontrolled Fusion: This is the process where atomic nuclei merge spontaneously and release a tremendous amount of energy in an uncontrollable manner.
- It is the natural process happening within stars and the principle behind thermonuclear weapons.
- Controlled Fusion: Scientists are actively researching ways to achieve controlled fusion, where atomic nuclei are combined in a controlled environment.
- This would allow us to harness the immense energy released for constructive purposes like generating clean and sustainable power, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and potentially powering future space exploration endeavours.
Challenges of Fusion
- Achieving controlled fusion is a significant scientific and engineering challenge. Fusion requires incredibly high temperatures and pressure to overcome the natural repulsion between atomic nuclei and force them to fuse.
Energy Release during Fusion
- Nuclear fusion reactions release energy in various forms. The primary form is in the form of high-energy photons called gamma rays. These gamma rays interact with the surrounding matter in a star, including hydrogen atoms. These interactions create other forms of light, ultimately resulting in the visible light we see radiating from stars. So, the light we perceive from stars is a product of the fusion processes happening within their cores.
- In stars, fusion primarily occurs at their core, where immense gravitational pressure and scorching temperatures provide the perfect environment for hydrogen atoms to fuse into helium. This fusion process releases the energy that powers the star and ultimately reaches us as the light we see in the night sky.