Nuclear Fusion

Before we discuss what nuclear fusion is, we must first review some concepts about atoms.

Composition of The Atom The atom is made of three parts: Protons Neutrons Electrons

Shape of The Atom Protons and neutrons are found in the nucleus and electrons orbit the nucleus in shells (different orbits).

Charges of the Different Subatomic Particles Protons have a positive charge. Electrons have a negative charge. Neutrons have no charge.

The Periodic Table of Elements

There is a lot of information on the Periodic Table of Elements. For this discussion we are only going to focus on one thing, the atomic number. Atomic Number

Atomic Number The atomic number represents the number of protons found in the atom. How many protons does lithium have? Helium has an atomic number of 2 so it has 2 protons The atomic number of Hydrogen is 1 so it has 1 proton

The Sun The sun, like all stars, is composed mostly of hydrogen.

Nuclear Fusion Remember that a hydrogen atom is made of one proton, which has a positive charge For this reason hydrogen atoms normally repel each other Model of a hydrogen atom.

Nuclear Fusion However inside of the core of a star the hydrogen atoms are under such extreme pressure and temperature. Under such extreme conditions the hydrogen atoms are fused (joined) together creating a helium atom and energy (photons).

Nuclear Fusion The word nuclear refers to the nucleus (which is were the protons are located). The word fusion means joining two or more things together to create a new thing. So nuclear fusion is the combining of smaller atoms to create bigger atoms.

Nuclear Fusion in Stars For more than 90% of the life of a star nuclear fusion converts hydrogen into helium. This process also releases a tremendous amount of energy called photons. Photons travel through electromagnetic waves as heat and light.