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Nuclear fusion is the process of combining atoms to form a heavier nucleus, releasing or absorbing energy. It is different from nuclear fission, which involves splitting atoms. Fusion is a source of energy and is how stars generate energy. The challenge is bringing atoms with the same charge close enough to fuse, which is achieved with high heat levels. Some fusion power plants are online, but it is still under development.
Nuclear fusion is the process by which multiple atoms having the same charge combine to form a heavier nucleus. In some cases, depending on the mass, energy may be released or absorbed during this process. It is a very important source of energy.
While often confused with nuclear fission, possibly due to the similar name and sometimes similar results, nuclear fusion is a very different process. Nuclear fission involves splitting the nucleus of an atom, which normally has the effect of generating a large release of energy, as seen in nuclear bombs. This is also how most nuclear power plants generate power.
Nuclear fusion as an artificial energy source is still largely under development, although some fusion power plants are online. Most of the energy produced in this way for the benefit of humans and other life forms comes from the sun. Fusion is the process by which all stars generate energy.
The problem with generating nuclear fusion is to bring two atoms with the same charge closer together because these atoms generally repel each other rather than move together. Once they are reunited, however, the nuclear force begins to gain the upper hand. This force will pull the nuclei of two or more atoms towards each other and start the fusion process, but this only happens if they are close enough.
To get the nuclei close enough to fuse requires finding a way to join the atoms. In most cases, this is achieved with very high heat levels. Heat causes atoms to accelerate, allowing them to overcome their electromagnetic tendencies to repel each other. While this may require a large amount of energy in the beginning, the resulting energy is often much greater than initially input. In some cases, the heat from the explosion can create ongoing nuclear fusion reactions, called self-sustaining reactions. The stars are a good example of this.
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