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No, a fission reaction is not necessary to trigger a fusion reaction, but for us on earth, it is. In the field of nuclear weapons, a fission bomb is needed to create the heat necessary to set off a fusion weapon. We have to use fission, or, rather, the energy created by that, to initiate the fusion reaction. It might be possible to use a high power source, like a laser, on a small amount of material to get fusion to occur. But we are still experimenting with this in the Tokamak, and it's far from being a done deal. Stars are, in general, massive nuclear fusion reactors. Their constant consumption of fuel powering their high rate of fusion creates a massive amount of energy, and the stars' huge gravity keeps this process from blowing the whole thing apart. No fission is needed to sustain this reaction.

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Does nuclear fusion happen in the convection zone?

No, nuclear fusion does not occur in the convection zone of a star. Fusion reactions primarily take place in the core region of a star, where the temperature and pressure are high enough to sustain the nuclear reactions that power the star. The convection zone is a region of the star where heat is transported through the movement of gas, but fusion does not occur there.


What are 3 characteristics of nuclear fusion?

High energy output: Nuclear fusion releases large amounts of energy compared to other power sources. Minimal waste: Fusion reactions produce very little radioactive waste compared to nuclear fission reactions. Fuel availability: Fusion fuel sources such as deuterium and lithium are abundant in nature, making fusion a potentially sustainable energy source.


Is a nuclear power plant producing electricity an example of nuclear fusion?

No, a nuclear power plant producing electricity is an example of nuclear fission, not fusion. In nuclear fission, the nucleus of an atom is split, releasing energy, whereas in nuclear fusion, atomic nuclei combine to release energy.


What are the main reasons why nuclear fusion have not been used in nuclear reactors?

Well, scientists have been researching fusion reactors for over 50 years, but nuclear fusion is much more difficult to achieve than nuclear fission, which is what current nuclear power technology is based on. There are many reasons for this, but while there have been tests and advancements in the field, scientists have yet to a) create a sustainable and stable nuclear fusion reaction and b) create a reaction that has a greater output than input.


Does fusion powers many of your nuclear power plants?

Nuclear fusion is used only in experimental installations.

Related Questions

Why scientist are interested in harnessing the power of nuclear fusion as an energy source?

Fusion reactions release tremendous energy


How is the sun affected by nuclear powers from earth?

The sun is not affected by the nuclear power generated on Earth. The nuclear reactions that power the sun are happening in its core, while nuclear power plants on Earth use fission reactions that do not have the ability to impact the sun's nuclear fusion process.


Does nuclear fusion happen in the convection zone?

No, nuclear fusion does not occur in the convection zone of a star. Fusion reactions primarily take place in the core region of a star, where the temperature and pressure are high enough to sustain the nuclear reactions that power the star. The convection zone is a region of the star where heat is transported through the movement of gas, but fusion does not occur there.


What is the significance of the fusion cross section in nuclear reactions?

The fusion cross section in nuclear reactions is important because it determines the likelihood of two atomic nuclei coming together and fusing to form a new nucleus. This process releases a large amount of energy and is the basis for nuclear fusion reactions, such as those that power the sun. Understanding and controlling the fusion cross section is crucial for developing sustainable and efficient energy sources.


How is the sun an example of nuclear energy?

The Sun is an example of nuclear energy because it produces energy through nuclear fusion reactions in its core. These reactions involve the combining of atoms to release energy in the form of light and heat. This process is similar to how nuclear power plants on Earth generate electricity using nuclear reactions.


What are 3 characteristics of nuclear fusion?

High energy output: Nuclear fusion releases large amounts of energy compared to other power sources. Minimal waste: Fusion reactions produce very little radioactive waste compared to nuclear fission reactions. Fuel availability: Fusion fuel sources such as deuterium and lithium are abundant in nature, making fusion a potentially sustainable energy source.


What is the difference between the sun's energy and a nuclear power plant?

The sun's energy comes from nuclear fusion reactions in its core, where hydrogen atoms combine to form helium, releasing huge amounts of energy. In contrast, nuclear power plants generate energy through nuclear fission reactions, where uranium atoms split to release energy. The sun's energy is natural and sustainable, while nuclear power plants use controlled reactions in a controlled environment.


What kinda of nuclear reaction is seen in?

Nuclear fission reactions involve the splitting of atomic nuclei to release energy, while nuclear fusion reactions involve combining atomic nuclei to release energy. Both types of reactions are seen in nuclear power plants and stars.


Does nuclear power plants uses nuclear fusion?

No, they rely on fission. Controlled fusion is the holy grail of nuclear power.


How are nuclear fusion and nuclear fission different from each other?

Nuclear fusion and nuclear fission are two types of nuclear reactions that release energy. Fusion combines atomic nuclei to create heavier elements, while fission splits atomic nuclei into smaller fragments. Fusion powers the sun and hydrogen bombs, while fission is used in nuclear power plants and atomic bombs.


What is the difference between cold fusion and what nuclear power plants do to create energy?

Cold fusion is a theoretical nuclear reaction that supposedly occurs at room temperature, while nuclear power plants use controlled nuclear fission reactions to generate heat and produce electricity. Cold fusion has not been reliably demonstrated, while nuclear power plants worldwide successfully use fission to generate a significant portion of electricity.


What type of power does nuclear fission have?

Fusion power is the power generated by the nuclear fusion processes. Fusion power is a primary area of researc in plasma physics. For example, the sun is a natural fusion reactor.