What is nuclear fusion?
Quick Answer
Nuclear fusion is the process of forcing light atomic nuclei to merge into a heavier one, releasing enormous energy; it is the reaction that powers the Sun and other stars.
The Full Story
Nuclear fusion is the joining of two light atomic nuclei, such as isotopes of hydrogen, to form a heavier nucleus like helium, releasing tremendous energy in the process. It powers the Sun and all stars, where immense gravity and temperatures of millions of degrees force hydrogen nuclei together. Fusion releases far more energy per unit of fuel than the fission used in current nuclear power plants, and its main fuel, hydrogen, is abundant while producing little long-lived radioactive waste. Achieving controlled fusion on Earth is extraordinarily difficult because it requires confining a superheated plasma at conditions similar to a star core. Experimental reactors such as tokamaks and large laser facilities are working toward it. In 2022, a US laboratory achieved ignition, producing more energy from a fusion reaction than the laser energy delivered to the fuel.
Key Facts
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"Nuclear Fusion — The Star Power Scientists Want to Harness"