Which describes nuclear fusion?
Nuclear fusion is a process where two or more atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy in the process. This is the energy-producing process that occurs in stars, including our Sun.
To understand nuclear fusion, it is helpful to have a basic understanding of atomic physics. Atoms consist of a nucleus at the center, made up of positively charged protons and uncharged neutrons. Surrounding the nucleus are negatively charged electrons. Atomic nuclei are held together by a strong nuclear force, but they can still be affected by external influences, such as high temperatures and pressure.
In nuclear fusion, typically at extremely high temperatures and pressures, the atomic nuclei come close enough for the strong nuclear force to overcome the electrostatic repulsion between positively charged protons. As a result, the nuclei can fuse together, forming a heavier nucleus. This process releases a tremendous amount of energy, as described by Einstein's famous equation E = mc^2, where E represents the energy released, m is the mass difference between the fused nuclei and the original nuclei, and c is the speed of light.
Nuclear fusion is a potential source of clean and abundant energy. However, it is challenging to achieve and control on Earth due to the extremely high temperatures and pressures required. Scientists are actively researching and developing ways to harness nuclear fusion as a practical and sustainable energy source, but it remains a complex engineering problem to solve.