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Shreya
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A tokamak reactor is a device used to create and contain a plasma, which is a state of matter where atoms are stripped of their electrons, in order to produce controlled nuclear fusion reactions. This is achieved by using strong magnetic fields to confine and heat the plasma.
A tokamak reactor uses a combination of strong magnetic fields and a toroidal (doughnut-shaped) chamber to confine the plasma. The magnetic fields are created by powerful electromagnets, which are carefully designed and positioned to create a strong and stable magnetic "bottle" that keeps the plasma from touching the walls of the chamber.
The goal of plasma confinement in a tokamak reactor is to create and sustain a stable and hot plasma for a sufficient amount of time to allow for nuclear fusion reactions to occur. This requires careful control and optimization of the magnetic fields, heating mechanisms, and plasma density and temperature.
Understanding plasma confinement in a tokamak reactor is a complex task, as it involves multiple physical processes and interactions. Some of the challenges faced include the need for advanced mathematical and computational models, the difficulty in measuring and controlling the plasma parameters, and the potential for instabilities and disruptions in the plasma.
Research on plasma confinement in tokamak reactors is primarily conducted through experiments using actual tokamak devices, such as the Joint European Torus (JET) or the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). These experiments are complemented by theoretical and computational studies, as well as collaborations between different research institutions and countries.
