nuclear fusion
Definition
Nuclear fusion (noun) 1. A nuclear reaction: A process in which two or more atomic nuclei collide at very high speed and join to form a new, heavier nucleus. 2. An energy-releasing process: During this reaction, a significant amount of energy is released because the mass of the resulting nucleus is slightly less than the sum of the masses of the original nuclei. This lost mass is converted into energy, as described by Einstein's equation, E=mc².
Usage
- Nuclear fusion is the process that powers the sun and other stars.
- Scientists are working to achieve controlled nuclear fusion on Earth as a potential source of clean energy.
- The extreme temperatures and pressures required for nuclear fusion make it a significant technological challenge.
Advanced Usage
- Thermonuclear fusion: A specific type of nuclear fusion that is initiated by extremely high temperatures. This term is often used to describe the fusion processes in stars or in hydrogen bombs.
- The sun's energy comes from thermonuclear fusion in its core.
- Cold fusion: A hypothesized type of nuclear reaction that would occur at or near room temperature. It remains a controversial and unproven concept in mainstream science.
- The reported discovery of cold fusion was not successfully replicated by other scientists.
Variants and Related Words
- Fusion (noun): The general act or process of merging or combining separate elements into a single entity. In physics, it is often used as a shortened form of "nuclear fusion."
- The fusion of hydrogen atoms releases tremendous energy.
- Fuse (verb): To join or blend together. In the context of nuclear physics, it means to cause nuclei to combine.
- Under immense pressure, the nuclei fuse and release energy.
- Nuclear fission (noun): The opposite nuclear reaction, where a heavy nucleus splits into lighter nuclei, also releasing energy.
Synonyms
- Fusion reaction
- Thermonuclear reaction (when referring to fusion initiated by heat)
Related Phrases and Concepts
- Fusion energy: The power generated by a nuclear fusion reaction.
- The promise of fusion energy is a nearly limitless and clean power source.
- Fusion reactor: A theoretical or experimental device designed to harness energy from controlled nuclear fusion.
- Building a practical fusion reactor is a major goal of plasma physics.
- Plasma confinement: A critical challenge for fusion, referring to the methods (like magnetic fields) used to contain the super-hot plasma where fusion occurs.
- Tokamaks use magnetic fields for plasma confinement.
Noun
-
a nuclear reaction in which nuclei combine to form more massive nuclei with the simultaneous release of energy
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