All the elements that surround us, even the ones in our bodies, are a result of the fusion reaction. Fusion fills with energy stars like the sun, in which heavier elements than hydrogen are made, so if we could control the power of the stars that are located in our galaxy here on Earth, then fusion could be the key to non-polluting and unlimited energy.
So how does nuclear fusion actually work? Basically, nuclear fusion is the process by which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a single heavier one while releasing massive amounts of energy. Fusion reactions take place in a state of matter called plasma—aa hot, charged gas made of positive ions and free-moving electrons with unique properties distinct from solids, liquids, or gases.
Fusion is the dominant state of matter in the observable universe. The very first fusion reaction took place one hundred million years after the Big Bang, in the ultra-dense and ultra-hot core of one of the gigantic gaseous spheres that had formed from the primeval hydrogen clouds. Thus the first star was born, followed by billions of others, every single one of them being powered by nuclear fusion to this day.For example, in the solar system, 99.86 percent of the sun’s total mass is in a state of fusion, where the energy created makes life on Earth possible.
Arthur Eddington, a British astrophysicist, first published the theory that stars produce energy from the fusion of hydrogen and helium in 1926. A revolutionary idea, scientists worldwide soon rushed to confirm. So after just 4 years, Hans Bethe discovered that nuclear fusion was the energy source for our sun, proving Eddington’s genius idea.
Now let’s talk about another genius idea: the fusion reactor. The first patent related to a fusion reactor was registered in 1946 by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority. The inventors were Sir George Paget Thomson and Moses Blackman. Even though its purpose is to basically produce electrical power, the use of nuclear fusion reactions for electricity generation remains theoretical.
By the 1970s, it was clear that attaining fusion energy would be one of science’s greatest challenges, and collaboration might be key to meeting the challenge, but things changed when ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) appeared. ITER is an international nuclear fusion research and engineering megaproject aimed at creating energy through a fusion process similar to that of the Sun, and they plan to complete the construction of the main reactor and first plasma. Planned for late 2025, it will be the world's largest magnetic confinement plasma physics experiment and the largest experimental Tokamak nuclear fusion reactor.
Now I want to tell you that we are made of stardust, and that is not just a myth; it is 100% true. Let’s think about it that way: the fusion of hydrogen nuclei to form deuterium is exoergic (there is a net release of energy) and, together with subsequent nuclear reactions, leads to the synthesis of helium. The formation of helium is the main source of energy emitted by normal stars, and the gas from which a star is formed often contains some heavier elements, notably carbon (C) and nitrogen (N). Therefore, planetary scientist and stardust expert Dr. Ashley King explains.
'It is totally 100% true: nearly all the elements in the human body were made in a star, and many have come through several supernovas.'
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