Search Results - Nuclear fusion
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In nuclear physics and nuclear chemistry, nuclear fusion is the process by which multiple like-charged atomic nuclei join together to form a heavier nucleus. It is accompanied by the release or absorption of energy, which allows matter to enter a plasma state. The fusion of two nuclei with lower mass than iron (which, along with nickel, has the largest binding energy per nucleon) generally releases energy while the fusion of nuclei heavier than iron absorbs energy; vice-versa for the reverse process, nuclear fission. In the simplest case of hydrogen fusion, two protons have to be brought close enough for their mutual electric repulsion to be overcome by the nuclear force and the subsequent release of energy. Nuclear fusion occurs naturally in stars. Artificial fusion in human enterprises has also been achieved, although has not yet been completely controlled. Building upon the nuclear transmutation experiments of Ernest Rutherford done a few years earlier, fusion of light nuclei (hydrogen isotopes) was first observed by Mark Oliphant in 1932; the steps of the main cycle of nuclear fusion in stars were subsequently worked out by Hans Bethe throughout the remainder of that decade. Research into fusion for military purposes began in the early 1940s as part of the Manhattan Project, but was not successful until 1952. Research into controlled fusion for civilian purposes began in the 1950s, and continues to this day. Fusion reactions power the stars and produce all but the lightest elements in a process called nucleosynthesis. Although the fusion of lighter elements in stars releases energy, production of the heavier elements absorbs energy.
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Showing 1 to 5 of 5 Articles matching 'Nuclear fusion' in related articles. |
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1. Exciting Possibilities with Nanotechnology
November 11, 2009
Just when you thought we have reached the summit of man’s engineering wisdom, we realize that we are just scratching the surface. There’s so much more promise lurking in technologies that harness the power of the atom. No, we’re not talking about nuclear fusion, though that’s another leap alright from the current fission technologies that have given rise to the atom bomb and nuclear power plants lighting our homes. This time, it’s about the technologies that allow manufacturers to handle parts at the molecular level. It’s called nanotechnology, or nanotech for short.
Savoring the poss... (read more)
Author: Ritchie Smythe
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2. Solar Power Numbers
August 03, 2009
The prospect of generating pollution-free power from the sun's rays is appealing. The Sun is the closest star to Earth and is the center of our solar system. A giant, spinning ball of very hot gas, the Sun is fuelled by nuclear fusion reactions. The light from the Sun heats our world and makes life possible. The Sun, The Weather and the effects and damages caused to our satellites, find out the age of the Sun how many billions of years old. The source of heat and light that sustains life on Earth. Here is one way of using the solar power Watch the video from the link below. Windows Medi... (read more)
Author: Malcolm Barnes
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3. Futuristic laser energy research group launched
October 24, 2008
The UK is to take a co-ordinating role in a new project that was launched this week that will promote the use of lasers with nuclear fusion as a future energy source, writes Rachel Johnson.
Funded by the European Commission and the UK, French and Czech governments, the European High Power Laser Energy Research partners (HiPER) was formed by 26 institutions from 10 nations, with a view to exploiting extreme power of Europe's largest lasers to generate energy.
The partners, which include the government-funded Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), are presently waiting for A... (read more)
Author: Shane Ennerson
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4. Uranium or Not?
August 30, 2008
Uranium or Not? Some electricity in the U.S. Today, nuclear energy is America's second largest source of electric power, following coal. Since our power grid system is interconnected, practically every American gets a portion of their electricity from nuclear power plants. The largest number of nuclear reactors are located in the eastern portion of the united states. Nuclear reactors are fueled by uranium or plutonium in a solid form. Nuclear energy plants produce electricity through the fission of uranium and plutonium.
Wise Concern This causes some concern for Americans. A lot of... (read more)
Author: Chad Farmer
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5. Countries Agree to Pursue Fusion Energy Research
November 21, 2006
The United States and more than 30 other nations have signed a $13 - billion agreement to develop a form of nuclear power in a process called fusion. In a Paris signing ceremony, they agreed to cooperate to build an experimental reactor intended to mimic the way stars make energy, with the hope it can eventually lead to a plentiful supply of cheap, clean and safe power.
The consortium brings together the United States, the European Union, Japan, Russia, China, South Korea, and India to build the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor, or ITER for short, in southern France.
The U.S. ... (read more)
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