M1L12: Nuclear Energy-II

So, welcome back, In this lecture, we shall discuss about Nuclear fusion technology. There’ a difference between Nuclear fission and fusion. In the former case, the atom is split and energy is released while in the latter case, the atoms are combined to release energy

We will understand this concept by studying the working mechanism of the fusion bomb or the hydrogen bomb, also known as thermonuclear bomb.

In the case of fusion bomb or hydrogen bomb, we need a small fissile element. This fissile element undergoes chain reaction and raises the temperature. This eventually triggers the fusion reaction, that combines Deuterium and Helion elements and releases a bulk amount of energy. Recall the fact that this process is already happening inside the stars and inside the core of the earth.

So, what does this mean? Fusion process happens only when the temperature goes beyond 3000 degrees Celsius. This process is replicated at International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in France. India is also a member of this project and Institute of Plasma Research in Gandhinagar district, Gujarat state is managing on behalf of India.

Current China has gained maximum breakthrough in it. Other countries are also doing it at individual level. For e.g. Germany is doing Synlight experiment using Xenon lamps and USA is trying to do this using laser at National Ignition Facility.