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Nuclear fusion, process by which nuclear reactions between light elements form heavier elements. In cases where interacting nuclei belong to elements with low atomic numbers, substantial amounts of energy are released. The vast energy potential of nuclear fusion was first exploited in thermonuclear weapons.
Fusion reactions are the primary energy source of stars and the mechanism for the nucleosynthesis of the light elements. In the late 1930s Hans Bethe first recognized that the fusion of hydrogen nuclei to form deuterium is exoergic (i.e., there is a net release of energy) and, together with subsequent nuclear reactions, leads to the synthesis ...
Nuclear fusion is the process by which nuclear reactions between light elements form heavier elements. In cases where the interacting nuclei belong to elements with low atomic numbers (e.g., hydrogen [atomic number 1] or its isotopes deuterium and tritium), substantial amounts of energy are released.
Nuclear fission, subdivision of a heavy atomic nucleus, such as that of uranium or plutonium, into two fragments of roughly equal mass. The process is accompanied by the release of a large amount of energy.
A nuclear weapon is a device designed to release energy in an explosive manner as a result of nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, or a combination of the two. Fission weapons are commonly referred to as atomic bombs, and fusion weapons are referred to as thermonuclear bombs or, more commonly, hydrogen bombs.
Fusion reactor, a device to produce electrical power from the energy released in a nuclear fusion reaction. The use of nuclear fusion reactions for electricity generation remains theoretical but could provide a safe, clean, and inexhaustible source of energy if developed.
Thermonuclear bomb, weapon whose explosive power results from an uncontrolled self-sustaining chain reaction in which isotopes of hydrogen combine under high temperatures to form helium in a process known as nuclear fusion.
Nuclear reactor - Fission, Fusion, Breeder: Most of the world’s existing reactors are power reactors, providing the heat needed to turn turbines that run electric-power generators. There are also numerous research reactors, and some navies of the world have submarines or surface ships driven by propulsion reactors.
Nuclear fission - Stages, Reactions, Energy: A pictorial representation of the sequence of events in the fission of a heavy nucleus is given in Figure 3. The approximate time elapse between stages of the process is indicated at the bottom of the Figure.
Nuclear energy can be released through processes called nuclear fusion and nuclear fission. Nuclear fission happens when the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more parts. Nuclear fusion happens when two nuclei join to form a single nucleus.