The formation of a new atom by the fusion of two different atoms is called nuclear fusion. For example, in stars, different kinds of elements react under intense pressure. New elements are emerging, heat, light and radiation.
Scientists spend a lot of time on nuclear energy, which they see as one of the ways to reach energy. In studies done so far, when nuclear fusion was performed, the strength of fusion was decreasing over time. Last year, scientists developed a self-sustaining fusion for the first time in history. The only problem is, they’re not quite sure how to do the same thing again.
Nuclear fusion could solve the energy crisis (if we can)
The source of heat and light from the Sun, the source of life on Earth, is nuclear fusion. As hydrogen atoms combine to form helium, it also radiates a great deal of energy. Cosmic events, such as supernovas, also occur through nuclear fusion.
It is not possible to carry out these reactions, which can easily take place in space, on our planet. In artificial environments created, heat and energy are lost in cooling mechanisms such as X-ray radiation and heat conductors, even if the necessary conditions are met for the reaction to start. That’s why scientists are trying to reach the ignition point, the point where fusion creates the energy and environment to continue the reaction on its own.
Could be the key to clean energy
A study published on August 8, 2021 has revealed one of the most important discoveries in human history so far. Researchers from California’s Lawrence Livermore National Ignition Laboratory exposed hydrogen isotopes called tritium and deuterium to intense energy from 192 lasers in a gold-plated ring of depleted uranium. Thus, for the first time, an ignition process was carried out in a laboratory environment.
For 100 trillionths of a second, scientists were able to generate 10 quadrillion watts of power from this fusion. Later, although the scientists tried the same experiment four more times, they could not produce the same level of energy.
Researchers point to the fact that too many factors play a very sensitive role in nuclear fusion studies as the reason for this situation. Therefore, it may not always be possible to work with the same efficiency.
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