A Tokamak reactor is a device used to create and control nuclear fusion reactions. It consists of a toroidal (doughnut-shaped) chamber surrounded by powerful magnets, which creates a magnetic field that contains and controls the superheated plasma needed for fusion to occur.
In a Tokamak reactor, deuterium and tritium (isotopes of hydrogen) are injected into the chamber and heated to extremely high temperatures (over 100 million degrees Celsius). This causes the atoms to fuse, releasing a tremendous amount of energy in the form of heat and light. The magnetic field inside the chamber ensures that the plasma stays contained and doesn't touch the walls of the reactor.
During a fusion reaction, neutrons and protons combine to form a heavier nucleus. This releases energy and also produces more neutrons, which can continue the fusion process. The neutrons and protons remain in the plasma until they are extracted to be used for energy production or to sustain the reaction.
The neutrons and protons in a Tokamak reactor are not radioactive and do not pose a risk to the environment or to human health. However, they can cause damage to the reactor's walls and other components, which need to be regularly replaced.
Tokamak reactors offer several advantages for fusion energy production. They are relatively compact and can be built using existing technology. They also have the potential to produce large amounts of clean, safe, and sustainable energy without producing greenhouse gas emissions or long-lived radioactive waste.