Calculating conditions necessary for nuclear fusion

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of using a formula to calculate the necessary conditions for elements to undergo nuclear fusion, specifically in regards to the Sun and the probability of a certain number of atoms crossing the barrier and fusing. The concept of the Gamow factor is mentioned as a potential tool for this calculation.
  • #1
PlanetGazer8350
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I would like to know if there is any formula for calculating the necessary conditions for certain elements to undergo nuclear fusion. I know that before the quantum tunnel effect was proposed, theoretically nuclear fusion reactions shouldn't occur in the Sun; with the increasing energy (affected by pressure, etc.), is there a way to find out the probability of x number of atoms crossing the 'barrier', to undergo nuclear fusion, given, i.e: z number of atoms?

For example, can you find out the conditions (pressure, temperature, etc.) necessary for having (this is just an example) 5 atoms of carbon-12, from 100 of them, of fusing with 5 atoms of hydrogen-1, from another 100?
 
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  • #2
PlanetGazer8350 said:
theoretically nuclear fusion reactions shouldn't occur in the Sun
That is only true if you use wrong theories.
PlanetGazer8350 said:
is there a way to find out the probability of x number of atoms crossing the 'barrier', to undergo nuclear fusion, given, i.e: z number of atoms?
Sure. Gamow factor is the keyword here.
 
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1. What is nuclear fusion and how does it work?

Nuclear fusion is the process in which two or more atomic nuclei combine to form a larger nucleus, releasing a significant amount of energy. This process is possible because of the strong nuclear force that holds the nucleus together. In order for fusion to occur, the nuclei must overcome their mutual repulsion due to their positive charges. This can happen at extremely high temperatures and pressures, such as those found in the core of the sun.

2. What conditions are necessary for nuclear fusion to occur?

Nuclear fusion requires extremely high temperatures (over 100 million degrees Celsius) and pressures (millions of times greater than Earth's atmospheric pressure). These conditions are necessary to overcome the repulsion between the positively charged nuclei and bring them close enough together for the strong nuclear force to bind them together.

3. How is the energy of nuclear fusion calculated?

The energy released by nuclear fusion can be calculated using Einstein's famous equation, E = mc^2, where E is the energy released, m is the mass difference between the reactants and products, and c is the speed of light. This equation shows that even a small amount of mass can be converted into a large amount of energy.

4. What materials are used in nuclear fusion reactions?

The most commonly used material for nuclear fusion reactions is hydrogen, specifically the isotopes deuterium and tritium. These isotopes are the easiest to fuse and release the most energy per reaction. However, other materials such as helium and lithium can also be used in fusion reactions.

5. How is the progress of nuclear fusion research measured?

The progress of nuclear fusion research is measured by the achievement of specific milestones, such as reaching higher temperatures and pressures or producing more energy than is put into the reaction. Additionally, the development of new technologies and materials that can withstand the extreme conditions of fusion reactions is also a measure of progress in this field.

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