Fusion power refers to energy produced during the fusion of two different atoms. The same process occurs in space; its' this process that gives the starts their brightness. It is also the sun's source of heat. The hydrogen bomb also works in the same way but in an uncontrolled manner.

In a nuclear fusion process, energy could be released once two or more elements with light atomic numbers are induced to fuse together. The elements that are usually used are deuterium, tritium and hydrogen.

The whole process begins when two or more atoms are brought together. Atoms are generally "repulsive" to other atoms when they get close to each other; an electrostatic force exists between the atoms (also called the "Coulomb barrier"). The Coulomb barrier is surpassed through the application of an external energy source.

As the atoms approach each other, a strong nuclear force begins to pull the atoms together until they actually fuse and form one atom which has a mass larger than that of each component atom but not larger than that of the sum of each component atom combined.

The newly formed nucleus will have a larger mass than that of each of the original nuclei but will have a smaller mass if compared to the combined masses of the nuclei of the original components. This is primarily because energy has been released during the fusion process.Fusion Power

This energy release is signified by "E = mc2". Einstein's equation describes the behavior of a specific substance that has released energy. It also indicates that the amount of energy released (represented by "E"), is equal to the product of the mass the substance has lost (denoted by "m") and of the square of the speed of light (signified by "c2").

As atoms fuse together, energy is released (in the form of heat) as explained by Einstein's equation. The mass that was lost in the fusion reaction will be equal to the total energy that the fusion reaction releases.

Under controlled conditions, the fusion of atoms can produce significant amounts of energy. If the fusion reaction is done repetitively and in a massive way, significant amounts of heat could be produced.

Heat generated could then be used to convert water into steam, which can be used to spin turbines connected to electric generators. The utilization of steam is very similar to those of geothermal or coal powered plants. Heat is needed to be able to produce steam (heat or steam naturally occurs as in the case of geothermal power plants) which becomes the driving force behind the movement of turbines which convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Applications of Fusion Power

Fusion reactors today are still largely unstable and thus require much research and development before they become established sources of nuclear energy. When compared to fission-based reactors, fusion technology is relatively cleaner and a lot safer because it produces a lot less radiation and in a less harmful degree. Fusion plants are considered to be safer to operate, too.