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  • Smart Learning for All

  • Topic: Nuclear fusion.

  • Why is nuclear fusion not used to generate electricity?

  • You really want to know the answer to this, right?

  • But wait.

  • Before answering the question, let us understand what is meant by nuclear fusion.

  • When two lighter nuclei combine to form a heavy nucleus, a large amount of energy is released.

  • This process is called nuclear fusion.

  • Where does this nuclear fusion take place?

  • You think that it takes place in a laboratory?

  • No, you are absolutely wrong.

  • Nuclear fusion takes place in the sun.

  • The nuclei of two hydrogen atoms join together.

  • To form a heavy nucleus of helium with the release of a large amount of energy.

  • How do you think this energy reaches us?

  • No.

  • It does not reach us through power lines.

  • Wait I will tell you.

  • The energy released after nuclear fusion reaches us in the form of sunlight, ultraviolet radiations, heat, etc.

  • Hey.

  • But we are already producing electricity with the help of nuclear fission.

  • So, why do we require nuclear fusion?

  • For this, you need to first understand the difference between nuclear fusion and nuclear fission.

  • As we already know.

  • Nuclear fusion is the fusion of two lighter nuclei with the release of a large amount of energy.

  • The exact opposite process happens in nuclear fission.

  • Here, a heavier nucleus splits into two lighter nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy.

  • This process of fission is used in nuclear power plants.

  • Where a heavy nucleus of uranium is split into lighter nuclei.

  • The energy that is released in this is used to generate electricity.

  • However, there is a major disadvantage of nuclear fission.

  • Wondering what it is?

  • The major disadvantage is that uranium is a radioactive element.

  • When uranium undergoes fission, it generates radioactive waste along with energy.

  • This radioactive waste is very harmful for most lifeforms and the environment.

  • Hence, we need to find a clean and safe source of energy to generate electricity.

  • What source would that be?

  • Would it be nuclear fusion?

  • You are right.

  • Then why are we not harnessing the energy of nuclear fusion to produce electricity?

  • This is because, for nuclear fusion, two conditions are required.

  • They are high pressure and high temperature.

  • Only when these conditions are met, can the two nuclei travel at very high speeds resulting in collision.

  • On earth, it is extremely difficult to create such high pressure and temperature.

  • Even if we are somehow able to create these conditions, the question is how will we control them?

  • As there are many questions unanswered and unsolved.

  • We have not yet succeeded in using nuclear fusion in the production of electricity.

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