NUCLEAR FUSION Meaning and
Definition
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Nuclear fusion is a process wherein two or more atomic nuclei are combined to form a heavier nucleus, accompanied by a substantial release of energy. It is the fundamental process responsible for the immense energy generated by the Sun and other stars, making it a potential source of clean, unlimited, and sustainable energy on Earth.
In the context of physics, nuclear fusion occurs when atomic nuclei collide at extremely high temperatures and densities, causing them to overcome their mutual electrostatic repulsion and merge together. The merging of these atoms results in the creation of a new, more massive nucleus, forming a different element. This process releases an enormous amount of energy in the form of light and heat, as governed by Einstein's famous mass-energy equivalence equation, E = mc².
Harnessing nuclear fusion has long been pursued as a promising avenue for clean energy generation due to its numerous advantages over traditional nuclear fission reactions. Unlike nuclear fission, which involves splitting heavy atomic nuclei and releases harmful radiation, fusion reactions produce very little radioactive waste and pose minimal environmental risks. Additionally, fusion fuel sources such as isotopes of hydrogen are abundantly available in seawater, making fusion a virtually inexhaustible energy source with the potential to meet global energy demands for centuries to come.
While scientists continue to work on realizing controlled nuclear fusion on Earth, significant progress has been made with devices called tokamaks and stellarators, which use magnetic fields to contain the extremely hot plasma necessary for fusion reactions.
Common Misspellings for NUCLEAR FUSION
- buclear fusion
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Etymology of NUCLEAR FUSION
The word "nuclear" comes from the Latin word "nucleus", which means "kernel" or "core". It originally referred to the central part of an atom, containing protons and neutrons. The term "nuclear" is used to describe processes or phenomena related to the atomic nucleus.
The term "fusion" comes from the Latin word "fusio", which means "a melting or blending together". In the context of nuclear physics, fusion refers to the process of combining two atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus. It is called fusion because during this process, the atomic nuclei melt and merge together to release a tremendous amount of energy.
Therefore, "nuclear fusion" essentially means the merging or blending together of atomic nuclei, resulting in the release of a significant amount of energy.
Similar spelling words for NUCLEAR FUSION
- nuclear energy,
- nuclear physicist,
- nuclear resonance,
- nuclear power,
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- nuclear weapon,
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- nuclear meltdown,
- nuclear rocket,
- nuclear fuel,
- nuclear club,
- nuclear chemistry,
- nuclear winter,
- Nuclear Rna,
- nuclear chemist,
- nuclear medicine,
- nuclear reactor,
- nuclear explosion,
- nuclear physics,
- nuclear fission.
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