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The primary issue is one of containment.
In order to initiate a nuclear fusion reaction, you need to strip away the electron shells of the atoms, and you need to move the nuclei close enough together for the attractive strong interaction to overcome the repulsive electromagnetic interaction. Stripping away the electron shells, i.e. creating a plasma, requires ultra high temperatures. Moving the nuclei close enough together requires ultra high pressures.
Problem: We have nothing that can maintain and/or contain this temperature and pressure. No currently known material can do this. The stars do it easily, because of gravity, but a reactor large enough to take advantage of gravity would be much larger than the Earth. Not even Jupiter is large enough, though some say it is close.
So, we are left with alternative forms of containment.
One possibility is magnetic containment. Problem is, in order to do that, we need superconducting magnets, so we are faced with having ultra cold components in close proximity to ultra hot components. That, to say the least, is technologically difficult. Presently, the ITER, a tokamak design, is being constructed in Cadarache, France to attempt this. Timeline is set for first testing in 2019, with first fusion in 2026. Note, however, that we are only talking 500 MW of power, and then, only for 480 seconds. All this at a projected cost of 15 billion euros.
Another possibility is inertial containment. This is how the hydrogen bomb works, but that is an uncontrolled, destructive reaction. The NIF, a laser implosion device, has been constructed in Livermore, California (USA). It generates 4MJ pulses that can theoretically induce 45MJ fusion pulses. Problem is, that it takes 422MJ to charge the system's capacitors, so the total energy curve is backwards, and the system heats up so much that cooldown is required after each firing - they are attempting to be able to do 5 firings a day - hardly any kind of continuous output. As a result, this is only an experimental facility, though so is the ITER, described above.
Best guess - we will not achieve controlled fusion power for at least 100 years. Even the projected goals for the next 50 years do not include any kind of sustainable reaction, let alone any kind of commercial deployment.
What else can I help you with?
Which statements are related to nuclear fusion?
Nuclear fusion is the process of combining two atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy in the process. Fusion reactions are the source of energy in stars, including our Sun. Scientists are working on creating controlled nuclear fusion reactions as a potential source of clean and limitless energy on Earth. Nuclear fusion differs from nuclear fission, which involves splitting atomic nuclei into smaller fragments.
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.
Are nuclear reactions and nuclear fusions the same thing?
No, nuclear reactions refer to any processes involving changes in the nucleus of an atom, which includes both nuclear fission and fusion. Nuclear fusion specifically refers to the process where two atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy.
Where would you find a nuclear fusion reaction occurring?
Nuclear fusion reactions occur in the core of stars, including the Sun, where high pressure and temperature conditions allow hydrogen atoms to combine and release a tremendous amount of energy. Scientists are also working on creating controlled nuclear fusion in experimental reactors on Earth as a potential source of sustainable energy.
Nuclear fusion reactions release more energy than fission reactions while also generating less waste However you do not currently use nuclear fusion reactors to generate electricity What is the ma?
The main challenges of using nuclear fusion for electricity generation include controlling the high temperatures and pressures required for fusion reactions, sustaining the reaction over long periods, and developing materials that can withstand the intense radiation produced. Research is ongoing to overcome these challenges and develop practical fusion reactors for commercial electricity production.
What are the type of nuclear reactions?
nuclear fission and nuclear fusion
Which nuclear reactions is the source of the sums energy?
Nuclear fusion
Which statements are related to nuclear fusion?
Nuclear fusion is the process of combining two atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy in the process. Fusion reactions are the source of energy in stars, including our Sun. Scientists are working on creating controlled nuclear fusion reactions as a potential source of clean and limitless energy on Earth. Nuclear fusion differs from nuclear fission, which involves splitting atomic nuclei into smaller fragments.
What type of scientists studies nuclear fusion?
Usually a nuclear physicist.
Reactions involving the particles in the nucleus of an atom are called what?
Nuclear Fusion. This process involves 'fusing' together two smaller nuclei to form a bigger nucleus.
What type of reactions can generate the most energy of nuclear?
Nuclear fusion reactions can generate the most energy compared to other types of nuclear reactions. Fusion involves combining light nuclei to form heavier nuclei, releasing large amounts of energy in the process. This is the same process that powers the sun and other stars.
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.
What is the significance of the plasma current in the process of nuclear fusion?
The plasma current plays a crucial role in nuclear fusion by helping to confine and control the hot, charged particles in the plasma. This current generates a magnetic field that keeps the plasma stable and prevents it from touching the walls of the fusion reactor, allowing the fusion reactions to occur efficiently. In essence, the plasma current is essential for maintaining the conditions necessary for sustained nuclear fusion reactions.
Why have no fusion reactors been developed and built yet?
Fusion reactors have not been developed and built yet because it is a complex and challenging process to control and sustain nuclear fusion reactions at a scale that is practical for energy production. Scientists are still working on overcoming technical and engineering obstacles to make fusion power a viable and reliable source of energy.
What is the current problem with nuclear fusion technology and how are scientists working to overcome it?
The current problem with nuclear fusion technology is achieving sustained and controlled fusion reactions that produce more energy than is required to initiate the reaction. Scientists are working to overcome this challenge by developing advanced confinement methods, such as magnetic and inertial confinement, and improving plasma heating and stability techniques. Additionally, research is ongoing to optimize reactor designs and materials to withstand the extreme conditions of fusion reactions.
Are nuclear reactions and nuclear fusions the same thing?
No, nuclear reactions refer to any processes involving changes in the nucleus of an atom, which includes both nuclear fission and fusion. Nuclear fusion specifically refers to the process where two atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy.
Where would you find a nuclear fusion reaction occurring?
Nuclear fusion reactions occur in the core of stars, including the Sun, where high pressure and temperature conditions allow hydrogen atoms to combine and release a tremendous amount of energy. Scientists are also working on creating controlled nuclear fusion in experimental reactors on Earth as a potential source of sustainable energy.
