Nuclear Fusion Essay

NUCLEAR FUSION
INTRODUCTION
Nuclear fusion is a reaction in which two lighter nuclei combine together to form a heavier and stable nucleus. This type of reaction is given by nucleus having less mass. However, nuclear fusion doesn’t take place in normal condition. The temperature requirement form nuclear fusion is around the order of 109 degree Celsius. Hence it doesn’t take place on earth. It mainly takes place on stars. Nuclear fusion reaction is an endothermic reaction. In this context we have also discussed about nuclear fusion being the main source of stellar energy. In biology, the term fusion means combining of two nuclei to form a bigger nucleus. Similarly, this can be compared to the nuclear fusion reactions. These reactions are

STELLAR ENERGY
As we know that fusion reaction takes place at very high temperature, fusion is a predominant process in sun. the temperature of sun is 3X107 degree Celsius, so nuclear fusion reaction continuously take place. The Sun which gives energy to entire universe depends on the energy released by fission of hydrogen nuclei into helium nucleus.
Bathe proposed that the fusion reaction takes place in two different cycles.
1.The Proton-Proton cycle.
2.The Carbon-Nitrogen cycle
PROTON-PROTON CYCLE According to Bathe nuclear fusion reactions are thermonuclear reactions in which energy is released when two hydrogen nuclei combine to form helium nucleus.
Following are the steps in the Proton-Proton cycle;
1H1 + 1H1 = 1H2 +1e0 + Q1
Here two protons combine together to give a deuteron nucleus and releases positron. Q1 s the amount of energy released in this process.
1H2 + 1H1 = 2He3 + γ rays
The deuteron formed combines with another proton to give 2He3 and release gamma rays.
Finally, the 2He3 combines with another 2He3 to form stable helium nucleus.
2He3 + 2He3 = 2He4 + 2 1H1 + Q2
The overall reaction can be summed up