-
Essay / Nuclear Fusion - 1532
For years, scientists have been testing methods to stop the destruction of our planet. This dismantling has been caused by our massive use of fossil fuels. In just a few hundred years, this "energy source" has blown huge holes in our ozone layer, caused countless animal and human deaths, and torn the Earth to its core. bone. We must learn to distance ourselves from this source as a whole. It's easier said than done. Humans have developed a connection to fossil fuels, and this is called “the easy way out.” As a society, we are known for being wasteful and materialistic. Our dependence on fossil fuels is no different. To put this monster into perspective: humans have only been using enormous amounts of fossil fuels since the early 20th century. All of this deterioration was caused over a period of less than 200 years. This does not even represent a decrease in the time humans have spent on this earth. Easy access to fossil fuels has transformed our society as a whole, leading to rampant materialism. We have forgotten how to work for things, and also how to preserve and care for the things we love. Several alternative energy sources are being considered to meet our needs over a large area of land. None would be as effective as nuclear fusion. Nuclear fusion powers the Sun and all other stars. Fusion occurs when the nuclei of two atoms join together to form one. However, it should be noted that fusion occurs easily in stars. This is due to the high temperatures (atoms must be heated up to 200 million degrees for this to happen) and also the high pressures in the hearts of these stars. It is much more difficult to achieve fusion here on Earth. Research into nuclear fusion began around 1920. Physicist FW Ast...... middle of paper ......ng energy production. The nuclear fusion reaction is so delicate that the level of safety is maximized. If the fuel supply in a nuclear fusion reaction is interrupted, the reaction stops completely. During a fission reaction, the reactor is loaded with enough fuel to last several years, making it extremely dangerous compared to its nuclear cousin. Fusion energy is one of the most promising energy sources. However, there are many aspects to this reaction that make it seemingly impossible to replicate here on Earth. Compared to many other energy sources, this seems perfect. There is enough hydrogen in the ocean to power a nuclear fusion economy for billions of years. Researchers are still evaluating methods to create more energy than is needed to cause a nuclear fusion reaction. Once this goal is achieved, the world could transition to nuclear fusion energy forever..