Nuclear fusion
Nuclear Fusion
Nuclear fusion (pronounced: /ˈnjuː.kliː.ər ˈfjuː.ʒən/) is a reaction in which two or more atomic nuclei are combined to form one or more different atomic nuclei and subatomic particles (neutrons or protons). The difference in mass between the reactants and products is manifested as the release of large amounts of energy. This difference in mass arises due to the difference in atomic "binding energy" between the atomic nuclei before and after the reaction.
Etymology
The term "nuclear fusion" comes from the Latin nucleus meaning "core", and fusionem meaning "a pouring out, melting, casting, welding". The term was first used in the modern sense by British physicist Arthur Eddington in the 1920s.
Related Terms
- Atomic Nucleus: The central part of an atom, containing protons and neutrons.
- Neutron: A subatomic particle of about the same mass as a proton but without an electric charge.
- Proton: A subatomic particle with a positive electric charge.
- Binding Energy: The mechanical energy required to disassemble a whole into separate parts.
- Subatomic Particle: A particle smaller than an atom.
- Energy: The capacity of a physical system to perform work.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Nuclear fusion
- Wikipedia's article - Nuclear fusion
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