Does Fission Affect Nuclear Fusion Rates?

In summary, the conversation is discussing the effects of combining elements in a nuclear fusion reaction. The question is whether the combination decreases the reaction due to fission. Further clarification is requested about the specific elements being referred to. The conversation then delves into the details of a DT fusion reaction and the role of neutrons in the process. It is stated that the 14.1 MeV neutrons produced are too high to participate in other fusion reactions and that a hot plasma or a beam of deuterons is needed to achieve fusion. The conversation also mentions the need for an ignition source for fission and the difficulty of thermalizing the 14.1 MeV neutrons.
  • #1
Christopher.V
3
0
If you combined these elements does it decrease the nuclear fusion reaction because of the fission or do i have this all mixed up??
 
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  • #2
We'd appreciate it so much if you elaborate more on your question, please be specific :)
 
  • #4
so when fused it creates 4He +n and during a nuclear reaction it continues to make more +n free neutrons? am i correct on this.
which continues until all the free neutrons are taken? or destroyed?
 
  • #5
The neutrons from this reaction are about 14.1 MeV, which is much too high to participate in any other fusion reaction. You do not need need any neutrons to produce fusion. You will need a very hot plasma of inertially or magnetically confined deuterons and tritons, or a beam of deuterons hitting a target with tritium in it to get DT fusion.
 
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  • #6
But if DT gas is already combined is their not a need of and ignition source for fission?
to make more neturons?
 
  • #7
Hello Christopher-
Neutrons are needed to make fission sources go critical, but those neutrons are (almost) always thermal neutrons. The 14.1 MeV neutrons from a DT (deuterium-tritium) reaction are very difficult to thermalize. Usually, the heat from a fission reaction is needed to ignite a DT (fusion) reaction.
Bob S
 

Related to Does Fission Affect Nuclear Fusion Rates?

1. What is nuclear fusion?

Nuclear fusion is a process in which two or more atomic nuclei come together to form a larger nucleus. This process releases a large amount of energy and is the same process that powers the sun and other stars.

2. How is nuclear fusion different from nuclear fission?

Nuclear fusion involves combining two or more atomic nuclei, while nuclear fission involves splitting a single atomic nucleus into two or more smaller nuclei. Fusion releases more energy than fission and does not produce long-lived radioactive waste.

3. What is the role of 2h + 3h in nuclear fusion?

2h + 3h, also known as deuterium and tritium, are two types of hydrogen isotopes that are commonly used in nuclear fusion reactions. When these two nuclei fuse together, they form a helium nucleus and release a large amount of energy.

4. How do scientists harness the energy from nuclear fusion?

The energy released from nuclear fusion can be harnessed through various methods, such as using the heat produced to generate electricity or using the energy to power spacecraft. However, scientists are still working on developing efficient and sustainable ways to harness this energy.

5. What are the potential benefits of nuclear fusion?

Nuclear fusion has the potential to be a clean and virtually limitless source of energy. It does not produce long-term radioactive waste, and the fuel used is abundant and widely available. If harnessed successfully, nuclear fusion could greatly reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and help mitigate the effects of climate change.

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