Question: what is nuclear fussion

Michael Kimwele answered on 17 Jul 2025:

Nuclear fusion is a process in which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy. This is the same reaction that powers the sun and other stars.

In fusion, atoms like hydrogen are heated to extremely high temperatures (millions of degrees), causing them to move so fast that they overcome their natural repulsion and collide. When they fuse, they form a new element (like helium) and release energy in the process.

Fusion is considered a promising source of clean energy because it produces no greenhouse gases and very little radioactive waste compared to nuclear fission (used in today’s power plants). However, achieving and maintaining the extreme conditions needed for fusion on Earth is very challenging and is still under research.