Calculating conditions necessary for nuclear fusion

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the necessary conditions for nuclear fusion, specifically focusing on the Gamow factor, which quantifies the probability of atomic nuclei overcoming the Coulomb barrier to fuse. It highlights the importance of pressure and temperature in facilitating fusion reactions, particularly in the context of elements like carbon-12 and hydrogen-1. The conversation emphasizes that traditional theories may underestimate fusion probabilities, especially in stellar environments like the Sun.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of nuclear fusion principles
  • Familiarity with the Gamow factor in quantum mechanics
  • Knowledge of atomic structure and interactions
  • Basic grasp of thermodynamics related to pressure and temperature
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Gamow factor and its applications in nuclear fusion calculations
  • Explore the role of pressure and temperature in stellar fusion processes
  • Study the quantum tunneling effect and its implications for fusion reactions
  • Investigate fusion reaction rates for different isotopes under varying conditions
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, nuclear engineers, and students studying nuclear fusion and quantum mechanics will benefit from this discussion.

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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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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