![]() Fusion of nuclei with lower mass than iron releases energy while fusion of nuclei heavier than iron generally absorbs energy. The reaction is followed either by a release or absorption of energy. Nuclear fusion is the joining of two nuclei to form a heavier nuclei. Scientists have claimed to be on the brink of cracking nuclear fusion for decades, but hopefully with any luck that promise may finally be coming true.\( \newcommand\ J\). Start-ups like Helion Energy are also working toward this goal using magnetic coils to compression the reactor core. Unlike fission, nuclear fusion also has the added benefit of being self. That said, labs like the U.S.’s National Ignition Facility (NIF) and France’s International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) have made progress in recent years with NIF reporting last summer that their reactor was able to generate up to 70 percent of its input energy. This interaction creates a huge burst of energy that is still burning at the heart of stars all across the universe. However, actually achieving this is easier said than done. In theory, after this initial power push the fusion reactor should then be able to create and sustain even more power than was initially fed into it. One problem facing fusion technology is that in order to create self-sustaining power (a point called “fusion ignition”) it needs to be sparked by a massive amount of energy. However, achieving and controlling fusion has been a lot more difficult for scientists to crack than fission. Unlike fission, nuclear fusion also has the added benefit of being self-sustaining without creating harmful waste. ![]() This interaction creates a huge burst of energy that is still burning at the heart of stars all across the universe. two hydrogen atoms combining to form one helium atom). ![]() Instead of breaking something apart, nuclear fusion happens when light atoms are smashed together to create a heavier atom (e.g. Unlike its sibling, nuclear fusion has largely been restricted to the realm of science fiction until recently.
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