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Dragonfall
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What is the smallest amount of hydrogen needed so that fusion occurs automatically under its own gravity? How long would it last?
Not homework.
Not homework.
I don't know the statistics. Do we really have a lot of boring? I guess it could well be 'cheap' at any price.dschlink said:I consider it more likely that the proton-boron reaction will produce the first commercially successful fusion reactor (see Polywell) and both elements are abundant and accessible.
sophiecentaur said:I don't know the statistics. Do we really have a lot of boring? I guess it could well be 'cheap' at any price.
dschlink said:I consider it more likely that the proton-boron reaction will produce the first commercially successful fusion reactor (see Polywell) and both elements are abundant and accessible.
Fusion is a nuclear reaction in which two or more atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy in the process.
Hydrogen is the lightest element and has the simplest atomic structure, making it easier to fuse together in a nuclear reaction.
The minimum amount of hydrogen needed for fusion to occur depends on several factors, such as temperature and pressure, but it generally requires a large number of hydrogen atoms to overcome the repulsive forces between them and fuse together.
The smallest amount of hydrogen needed for fusion to occur is known as the ignition threshold, and it varies depending on the conditions of the fusion reaction. In general, it is estimated to be around 10^28 hydrogen atoms.
Yes, it is possible to achieve fusion with smaller amounts of hydrogen by using extremely high temperatures and pressures, as is done in thermonuclear weapons. However, for practical and controlled fusion reactions, larger amounts of hydrogen are needed.