0
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.
What else can I help you with?
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, 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.
How do nuclear fusion differ fundamentally from nuclear fission?
Nuclear fusion doesn't produce energy.
What happen in the core that marks the birth of a star?
Nuclear fusion, converting hydrogen nuclei into helium nuclei.
Which do you currently use nuclear fusion or fission?
I currently use nuclear fusion.
What process produces the largest amount of energy given off by stars?
Nuclear Fusion
Is fusion chemical nuclear or mechanical?
Fusion is a nuclear reaction.
Is fusion nuclear energy or chemical energy?
Nuclear fusion produces nuclear 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.
What causes lesser pollution - nuclear fission or fusion?
Nuclear fusion
How do nuclear fusion differ fundamentally from nuclear fission?
Nuclear fusion doesn't produce energy.
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 happen in the core that marks the birth of a star?
Nuclear fusion, converting hydrogen nuclei into helium nuclei.
In nuclear fusion mass transforms into what?
In nuclear fusion mass transforms into energy.
Is strontium produced by nuclear fusion?
No Strontium is produced by nuclear fission not fusion.
Can americium produce nuclear fusion?
Americium was not tested to produce nuclear fusion.
Is the sun a nuclear fusion reactor?
Yes, the sun is a nuclear fusion reactor.
