1. Nuclear Fusion

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

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

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

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

6. The Periodic Table of Elements

7. 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

8. 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

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

10. 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.

11. 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).

12. 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.

13. 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.