Objective A- Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear fusion can be described as a nuclear reaction in which nuclei combine to form a more massive nuclei with the simultaneous release of energy. Fusion also forms an element with a higher atomic number, and is considered the reverse process of fission. Fusion of light elements (reactants) to heavier elements (products) along with the release of energy. When the mass of the products is less than the mass of the reactants, energy is released. (*the energy that is released is proportional to the difference is the mass-as predicted by Einstein's E=MC squared*). To occur, the reactants must be very close together- the nuclear forces bring the reactants together like glue. Also, fusion mostly occurs in a high density, low temperature environment. The reactants can also sometimes repel each other because of electrostatic force (similar to electromagnetic force). There is no limit to the amount of fusion that can occur, and the power that fuels our sun and stars is nuclear fusion. The balanced equations for nuclear fusion can be viewed at the website below.