development of fusion reactor essays

development of fusion reactor essays Many of scientists have spent abundant amount of years trying to figure out a way to access infinite, clean, accessible energy. Thats why the development of the fusion reactor is a very important invention in the world of science. Some people may ask what exactly is a fusion reactor, and how does it work? The large amount of energy let go by the sun and the stars is the result of the changing of matter into energy. This occurs when the lightest atom, hydrogen, is heated to very high temperatures forming a special gas called plasma. In this plasma, hydrogen atoms combine, or "fuse", to form a heavier atom, helium. In the process of fusing, some of the hydrogen involved is converted directly into large amounts of energy. In order for fusion reactions to occur, the particles must be hot enough temperature, in sufficient number of density and well limited confinement time. These simultaneous conditions are represented by a fourth state of matter known as plasma. In a plasma, electrons are uncovered from their nuclei. A plasma, as a result, consists of charged particles, ions and electrons. There are three main mechanisms for confining these hot plasmas - magnetic, inertial and gravitational. Magnetic confinement takes w hold of strong magnetic fields, usually 100,000 times the earth's magnetic field, set in a pattern to prevent the charged particles from leaking out. Inertial confinement uses powerful lasers or high energy particle beams to press the fusion fuel together. The enormous force of gravity confines the fuel in the sun and stars. There are two main reasons for pursuing fusion research, the furthering of our understanding of the actions of plasmas that make up most of the known universe, and the creation of a new energy source. Fusion energy would be a renewable energy technology that offers a significant mix of potential advantages. Fusion fuels are abundant and readily available to all nations. Using fusion ener...