Nuclear Fusion [2/4]

So exactly how "new" is nuclear fusion?

The underlying physics of this phenomenon has been well-understood for almost a century. Fusion is a reaction between the nuclei of atoms, occurring under extreme conditions, such as those in stars.

Using the most famous star in our solar system as an example, the Sun is ~75% hydrogen, and, because of the intense heat and pressure at its core, these hydrogen atoms are fused to form helium atoms. Stars, including the Sun, are fusion powerhouses. Their gravity creates the perfect conditions for a self-sustaining fusion reaction and they keep burning until all their fuel (aka hydrogen) atoms are extinguished.

The same concept applies to fusion reactors.

Building a reactor that can artificially replicate the conditions within the sun creates an extremely eco-friendly source of energy. Why? Nuclear fusion doesn't directly produce greenhouse gases, including the prominent carbon dioxide and methane that contribute to global warming.

Additionally, and equally important, fusion reactors don't include the consequences of nuclear fission, the splitting of atoms that is used to produce the nuclear bombs and reactors we know today. Such detrimental aftermath includes radioactive waste, which is currently being dumped or leaked onto our environment and exacerbating global pollution.

In conclusion, the theories behind nuclear fusion are nothing excitingly novel; rather, it's the experiments and the success (which we will be talking about next time!) that make this event very worth mentioning.