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Nuclear fusion occurs when two nuclei are placed close enough so that residual binding energy overcomes electromagnetism.
Binding energy holds (among other things) quarks together to form protons and neutrons. Residual binding energy, or nuclear force, holds protons and neutrons together to form nuclei. Both forms of binding energy are strong enough, within the confines of the nucleus, sort of - see the next paragraph, to overcome the repulsive force of electromagnetism for like charged particles.
Both binding energy and electromagnetism are an inverse function of distance. Binding energy has a steeper distance curve, and that complicates things. Within the confines of a single proton or neutron, or within the confines of smaller nuclei (atomic number less than or equal to 82, lead) binding energy wins. At a certain distance, however, electromagnetism wins, causing protons to repel each other.
This magic distance is, primarily, what causes radioactivity, although the weak interaction also has a bearing, but that is not part of the question.
In order for fusion to occur, you have to remove the electron cloud. This is done by adding energy, often substantial amounts of heat, creating an ionized plasma. You also have to force the nuclei together. This is done with substantial amounts of pressure, in order to overcome electromagnetism.
In the stars, this is easy. Gravity does all the work, creating heat and pressure. On Earth, this is hard. We have been successful creating uncontrolled fusion reactions in hydrogen bombs, but we have not been successful creating sustained controlled reactions. We are probably 50 or more years away from being able to do that.
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∙ 12y ago
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Does nuclear fusion happen in the convection zone?
no
Where does nuclear fusion happen on the sun?
Only at the core, where the temperatures and pressures are high enough.
Is nuclear chain reaction is called fusion?
The idea of nuclear fusion occurring at room temperature is called cold fusion.
How do nuclear fusion differ fundamentally from nuclear fission?
Nuclear fusion doesn't produce energy.
What would happen to the type of atom when the number of protons is changed?
It would become an atom of a different element. This can only happen during radioactive decay, nuclear fusion, or nuclear fission.
Does nuclear fusion happen in the convection zone?
no
Where does nuclear fusion happen on the sun?
Only at the core, where the temperatures and pressures are high enough.
A reaction in combining smaller atomic nuclei is?
nuclear fusion
What process produces the largest amount of energy given off by stars?
Nuclear Fusion
The process of combining two small nuclei into one nucleus of larger mass is called?
Combining two atomic nuclei is called nuclear fusion.
Is fusion chemical nuclear or mechanical?
Fusion is a nuclear reaction.
Is nuclear chain reaction is called fusion?
The idea of nuclear fusion occurring at room temperature is called cold fusion.
Is fusion nuclear energy or chemical energy?
Nuclear fusion produces nuclear energy
How does the sun create energy and where does it happen?
By nuclear fusion of hydrogen nuclei into helium nuclei, in the core.
What is combining nuclei of atoms to produce energy called?
That would be nuclear fusion, like what happens in stars, when two hydrogen nuclei combine to form a helium nucleus.
What causes lesser pollution - nuclear fission or fusion?
Nuclear fusion
What would happen to the type of atom when the number of protons is changed?
It would become an atom of a different element. This can only happen during radioactive decay, nuclear fusion, or nuclear fission.
