nuclear fusion

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Process in which two atomic nuclei are fused, with the release of a large amount of energy. Very high temperatures and pressures are required for the process. Under these conditions the atoms involved are stripped of all their electrons so that the remaining particles, which together make up a plasma, can come close together at very high speeds and overcome the mutual repulsion of the positive charges on the atomic nuclei. At very close range the strong nuclear force will come into play, fusing the particles to form a larger nucleus. As fusion is accompanied by the release of large amounts of energy, the process might one day be harnessed to form the basis of commercial energy production. Methods of achieving controlled fusion are therefore the subject of research around the world.

Fusion is the process by which the Sun and the other stars produce their energy. Power generation by fusion would not produce the vast amounts of dangerous nuclear waste that are a by-product of nuclear fission.

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