10.
7 FUSION FUTURE
Introduction to Energy Production in Nuclear Fusion
Nuclear fusion is a process in which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus,
releasing a vast amount of energy. This process powers the stars, including our Sun, and is being
explored as a potential source of energy on Earth due to its immense energy yield and minimal
environmental impact compared to fossil fuels.
Nuclear Fusion: Grade 10 Level
Basics of Nuclear Fusion
1. Definition: Fusion occurs when two light nuclei, typically isotopes of hydrogen (deuterium and
tritium), collide at extremely high speeds and combine to form a heavier nucleus, such as
helium.
2. Conditions Required:
o Extremely high temperatures (millions of degrees Celsius) to provide kinetic energy for
overcoming electrostatic repulsion between nuclei.
o High pressure to bring nuclei close enough for the strong nuclear force to act.
3. Equation Example: 21𝐻 + 31𝐻 → 42𝐻𝑒 + 10𝑛 + Energy
Artificial Nuclear Fusion Reactors
1. Basic Structure and Operation:
o Tokamak: The most common design for a nuclear fusion reactor.
▪ A toroidal (doughnut-shaped) chamber.
▪ Strong magnetic fields confine hot plasma.
▪ Plasma is heated using methods like electric current, microwaves, or particle
beams.
o Operation:
▪ Fuel (e.g., deuterium and tritium) is injected into the chamber.
▪ High temperatures and magnetic confinement enable fusion reactions.
▪ Energy released is captured as heat, which can be used to generate electricity.
2. Challenges:
o Achieving and maintaining the high temperatures and pressures needed.
o Containing the plasma within the reactor using magnetic fields.
o Preventing reactor materials from degrading under extreme conditions.
o Developing cost-effective and efficient systems for energy extraction.
3. Advantages and Disadvantages:
o Advantages:
▪ Produces vast amounts of energy.
▪ Minimal greenhouse gas emissions.
▪ Abundant fuel supply (hydrogen isotopes from water).
▪ Low risk of catastrophic accidents.
o Disadvantages:
▪ Extremely high initial development and operational costs.
▪ Technological challenges yet to be solved.
▪ Long time frames required for commercialization.
Nuclear Fusion in Stars
1. Overview:
o Stars, including the Sun, are natural nuclear fusion reactors.
o Fusion occurs in their cores, where temperatures exceed 15 million °C.
2. Process in Stars:
o Proton-Proton Chain Reaction: The primary fusion process in stars like the Sun.
▪ Four hydrogen nuclei fuse to form one helium nucleus, releasing energy.
o The energy sustains the star’s light and heat output.
3. Energy Balance:
o The outward pressure from fusion energy counteracts gravitational collapse, maintaining
the star’s stability.
Mass-Energy Relation in Nuclear Fusion
1. Einstein’s Equation: E= mc2
o A small amount of mass is converted into energy during fusion.
2. Energy Release:
o The mass of the products is slightly less than the mass of the reactants.
o The mass difference is converted into energy, which is why fusion produces so much
energy.
Comparison Between Fusion and Fission
1. Energy Produced per Reaction:
o Fusion: Higher energy yield per reaction compared to fission.
o Fission: Lower energy yield per reaction.
2. Energy Produced per Kilogram of Fuel:
o Fusion: Releases about four times more energy per kilogram of fuel than fission.
o Fission: Releases less energy per kilogram of fuel but is currently easier to achieve.
