![]() ![]() Nuclear fission reactions are done to generate electricity at nuclear power plants. However, nuclear fission reaction can be controlled by using boron rods as boron can absorb neutrons. If all the neutrons produced during the fission of uranium-235 produce further fission, then so much energy will be produced that it will not be controlled and leads to an explosion called an atom bomb. The neutrons produced in the nuclear fission reaction leads to further fission of heavy nuclei and cause a chain reaction. For more information on this project, click here.Also, in a nuclear fission reaction neutrons are used up and produced as well. The experimental phase of ITER is expected to begin in 2027. This Tokamak provides a way to magnetically confine the hot plasma required for fusion. ![]() This reactor began construction in 2013 and uses a confinement method known as a Tokamak. Ĭurrently, the largest fusion effort is the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor or ITER in France. įor potential nuclear energy sources, the deuterium-tritium fusion reaction is most likely because the conditions are less extreme. This process is done by using intense magnetic fields, lasers, or ion beams. Second, high pressures are needed to squeeze hydrogen atoms close enough to fuse. At these temperatures, hydrogen is a plasma, and this plasma must be sufficiently contained for fusion to continue, and safety. ![]() Energy from microwaves or lasers must be used to heat hydrogen atoms to the necessary temperatures. The process of fusion is difficult to control largely because of the extreme conditions necessary for the reactions to take place.įirst, fusion requires both extremely high temperatures to give hydrogen atoms enough energy to overcome repulsion between the protons. This is because it has been difficult for scientists to create a controllable, non-destructive way of harnessing the energy released during fusion. Use in Energy GenerationĬurrently, there are no large-scale fusion reactor that could provide energy for commercial use. An animation showing deuterium-tritium fusion. This process is shown in Figure 1 and an animation is shown in Figure 2.įigure 1. Most of the energy released here is in the form of a high-energy neutron.
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