blog post 03

Class, Science

astro2110, blog3, fusion, nuclear, nuclear fusion, stars

Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear fusion reactions power stars. In nuclear fusion, 2 atoms’ nuclei merge and form a heavier single nucleus. The leftover mass becomes energy. In stars like the Sun, this is generally the transformation of Hydrogen to Helium (proton-proton chain). Other, more massive stars, use the CNO cycle (uses more elements) to accomplish energy transformation. The conversion of mass to energy abides by E = mc^2.

Many wonder why nuclear fusion isn’t commonly used for power and electricity on Earth. Because nuclear fusion occurs at such high temperatures (100 million degrees Celsius). The amount of energy that would need to be used to replicate this high of a temperature on Earth would be more than the energy that would be produced from the fusion reaction, making it an unfeasible option for energy production.