Workbook: Fusion Natures Fundamental Energy Source - General ...

Fusion Workbook
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FUSION
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Fusion energy, the power source of the
stars, represents a potentially unlimited
source of energy for humanity. For billions
of years nature has used fusion in stars as
its preferred method to produce energy.
Fig. 1 - Fusion
Energy In The Sun
Fusion involves the interaction of matter
and energy, and the scope of fusion
ranges from tiny subatomic particles to
red super-giant stars. The last half century
has seen scientists from all
over the world working together
to harness and control the sun’s
fusion process here on earth.
Nature’s Fundamental Energy Source
Millions
of
Years
Within a few centuries mankind will have
depleted fuels that took millions of years
to create (Fig. 2). Scientists are trying
to replace this energy source with one
destined to outlast our civilization: fusion.
What Exactly is Fusion?
Hundreds
of Years
Fossil Fuel Reserves
1900 2200
Fig. 2 - Fossil reserves are rapidly being depleted.
Dinosaur painting by John Klausmeyer. Courtesy of
U. of Michigan Museum of Natural History.
In a fusion reaction two light atoms
combine, or fuse to form a heavier atom
and release energy (Fig. 3). The fusion
process accounts for the creation of all
Fig. 3 - Two lightweight elements are fused together,
creating new elements and tremendous energy
Humanity owes its existence to
the sun’s fusion engine. Fossil
fuel deposits, the life blood of our
civilization, form when plants capture
and store the sun’s energy.
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