Can Hydrogen Fusion and Helium Fission Provide an Endless Energy Source?

[rpcarnell]

This may seem like a crazy or stupid question. Maybe both.

What if there was a way to generate fusion using an element like Hydrogen, and then, miraculously, discover a way to generate fission out of the end result (in this case Hellium)? Could the constant fusion-fission between Hydrogen and Hellium end in an endless energy source, or am I thinking of another perpetual motion machine here?

 

[ZapperZ]

This may seem like a crazy or stupid question. Maybe both.

What if there was a way to generate fusion using an element like Hydrogen, and then, miraculously, discover a way to generate fission out of the end result (in this case Hellium)? Could the constant fusion-fission between Hydrogen and Hellium end in an endless energy source, or am I thinking of another perpetual motion machine here?

There is a reason why energy is given out when two light elements fuse, while energy is only given out when a heavy element undergoes fission. Look at the nuclear binding energy curve.

To cause Helium to undergo fission (even if this is possible) REQUIRES energy. It does NOT liberate energy upon such a process. So in principle, even under optimum condition, you're just swallowing up the energy that you generated from the fusion process. So why even bother?

Zz.

 

[denian]

I can understand the curiosity behind this question and the desire for an endless energy source. However, the concept of fusion and fission grail is not a realistic or feasible solution for generating energy.

Firstly, fusion and fission are two distinct processes that cannot occur simultaneously. Fusion is the process of combining two lighter nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, while fission is the splitting of a heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei. These processes require different conditions and cannot be interchanged.

Secondly, while fusion does produce large amounts of energy, it is not a perpetual source. Fusion reactions require an enormous amount of energy to initiate and sustain, making it difficult to maintain as a continuous source of energy. Additionally, the byproduct of fusion, helium, cannot be used for fission reactions.

Lastly, the concept of perpetual motion is a violation of the laws of thermodynamics, which state that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only converted from one form to another. Therefore, the idea of fusion and fission grail as a perpetual energy source is not scientifically valid.

In conclusion, while the idea of fusion and fission grail may seem attractive, it is not a practical or scientifically sound solution for generating endless energy. As scientists, it is important to continue researching and developing sustainable and efficient energy sources that align with the laws of physics.