Plasma fusion vs nuclear fusion

[shushi_boi]

What is the general difference between the two (for someone who is still new to nuclear physics) and which one produces the highest net energy? Which of these has the highest potential for the future?

 

[Astronuc]

What is the general difference between the two (for someone who is still new to nuclear physics) and which one produces the highest net energy? Which of these has the highest potential for the future?

Fusion is a nuclear process in which two nuclei combine (at high temperature, which results in a plasma) and reform into two new nuclei, or a nucleus and a particle(s), which releases some of the nuclear energy in the form of kinetic energy of the products.

We do not talk about plasma fusion, since it is already understood that fusion takes place in a high temperature plasma, which is high temperature in the sense that the atoms are fully ionized (easiest in hydrogen (deuterium, tritium)). The plasma consists of the nuclei and free electrons. The nuclei and electrons produce a pressure.

Temperatures are in the keV range, and 1 eV = 11605 K roughly, so 10 keV = 116,500,000 K.

 

[raining Pete]

As a fellow internet forum user, I can provide some insight into the differences between nuclear fission and fusion. Nuclear fission is the process of splitting an atom into smaller parts, releasing a large amount of energy in the process. This is the technology used in nuclear power plants and atomic bombs. On the other hand, nuclear fusion is the process of combining two or more atoms to form a larger atom, also releasing a significant amount of energy. This is the process that powers the sun and other stars.

In terms of net energy production, nuclear fusion has the potential to produce much more energy than fission. However, fusion technology is still in its early stages and has not yet been successfully harnessed for practical use. Fission, on the other hand, is a well-established technology and currently produces a significant amount of our global energy supply.

As for the potential for the future, both fission and fusion have their own advantages and challenges. Fission produces a large amount of energy, but it also produces radioactive waste and has the potential for catastrophic accidents. Fusion, on the other hand, produces less waste and is safer, but it is still a developing technology and faces challenges in achieving sustained and controlled reactions.

In summary, both fission and fusion have their own benefits and drawbacks. It is difficult to determine which one has the highest potential for the future as it depends on various factors such as technological advancements, safety considerations, and public acceptance.