Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear fusion is a process in which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a significant amount of energy. This reaction powers stars, including the Sun, where hydrogen nuclei fuse to create helium. Fusion has the potential to provide a nearly limitless and clean energy source on Earth, as it produces minimal radioactive waste compared to nuclear fission. Research into controlled fusion for energy production includes projects like ITER and various inertial confinement methods. Despite its promise, achieving practical and sustained fusion energy remains a significant scientific and engineering challenge.
For more information, visit the Wikipedia entry on Nuclear Fusion.

Q: What world-changing idea, small or big, would you like to see implemented by humanity?

A: This is easy. I would like to see the development of fusion power to give an unlimited supply of clean energy, and a switch to electric cars. Nuclear fusion would become a practical power source and would provide us with an inexhaustible supply of energy, without pollution or global warming.

— Stephen Hawking (Brief Answers to the Big Questions)

Parents

Quantum Physics