Nuclear Fusion Is The New Energy
By: Dayanera Gross 12/11/15
Nuclear Fusion Vs. Nuclear Fission
Nuclear Fusion and Fission both harness the power of atoms in order to create energy. Fusion is the fusing of two or more lighter atoms into a larger one. Nuclear Fission releases energy by splitting or break up atoms into smaller parts. It occurs when a large, unstable isotope is hit repeatedly by high-speed neutrons causing it to break into pieces Nuclear fusion happens when two small isotopes come together to form one, it must be in extreme temperature and pressure to occur. Fusion releases 3-4 times more energy than fission and is what powers the sun. We have finally discovered how to control nuclear fusion in order to produce electricity which is so exciting!
Safety Precautions
Since nuclear fusion is such a carefully balanced reaction, it is very important to be very careful when handling it. It is very sensitive to various conditions such as too hot or cold, too much fuel or not enough, magnetic fields that are set up right, or even too many contaminants. If there is any disruption or break off of the fuel supply, the plasma cools within seconds and dies.
Economic Impacts
The fuels are widely available around the globe, so there will be little risk of conflict over fuel. It is also as a very low risk of harming natural resources. It will immensely reduce the amount of greenhouse gas added daily to the environment. It will cost to set up plants to harvest this energy, but will greatly pay off in the future. The energy market will greatly increase, and it will be easier to help third world countries to be able to get electricity. Without energy limitations, we will not have to be concerned about wasting energy or using too much for something. Many more people will be able to afford this energy.