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Chapter 4: Problem 34

How does nuclear fusion generate energy?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Nuclear fusion generates energy by combining two light atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus. In the process, some of the mass is converted into energy, in accordance with Einstein's mass-energy equivalence principle represented by the equation \(E=mc^2\). The energy gets liberally released in the form of heat and light.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear fusion is a nuclear reaction through which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. During this process, immense energy is released. Fusion happens in the core of the stars. For instance, our Sun is basically a giant ball of gas where fusion reactions take place.
02

Fusion Process in Detail

In the fusion reactors, hydrogen atoms come together to form helium. This process can be simplified this way: \(2H (deuterium) + 3H (tritium) \rightarrow 4He (helium) + 1n (neutron)\). This reaction results in a release of a neutron with a high kinetic energy.
03

Energy Generation through Fusion

The energy generation through fusion occurs due to the principle of mass-energy equivalence given by Einstein's famous equation \(E=mc^2\), where E denotes energy, m is mass, and c represents the speed of light. During fusion, not all of the mass of the original particles (deuterium and tritium) is conserved. Some mass is converted into energy, and thus released.

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