Nuclear Fusion a Feasible Source of Power

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Is Nuclear Fusion a Feasible Source of Power?

Abstract:

Nuclear fusion may be an effective solution to the energy problem in today?s

world. Fusion is environmentally friendly and has the potential to generate massive

amounts of power. It is evident that the Sun?s power is fueled by nuclear fusion. Recent

advancements such as ITER and NIF may bring us closer to being able to use fusion. We

find that nuclear fusion is a long-term solution to a continuing problem.

Introduction:

Since the Industrial Age, energy from fossil fuels has become widespread. In

recent times, the depletion of fossil fuels is forcing humanity to search for other

alternatives, such as nuclear fusion. Fusion has been an attractive method of energy for a

long time. In 1982, Princeton University experimented with the magnetic confinement

Tokamak: a donut shaped accelerator designed to create massive amounts of heat. In

1998, JET built on the technology to create the largest Tokamak ever made. The ITER

(International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) project is currently working on a

colossal undertaking to create a Tokamak that can produce more energy than it consumes.

This project combines the efforts of many nations and will be constructed in class.

Meanwhile, the NIF (National Ignition Facility) in Livermore is attempting to use lasers

to generate a completely different fusion: inertial confinement fusion. Both ITER and

NIF are slated for completion in 2030.

Fusion is a difficult hurdle for scientists to tackle because scientists cannot

currently find a method to produce more energy than the process consumes. The JET is

the most cost effective fusion reactor in terms of power. However, the ratio of energy

production to energy cons...

... middle of paper ...

...century?

Reference

Chatellier, Michel, (2001). Sources of Energy.

CEA. Retrieved July 24, 2005 from http://www-fusionmagnetique.

cea.fr/gb/energies/energie03.htm

ITER (2005, July 22). Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia.

Retrieved July 24, 2005, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITER

Nuclear Fusion (2005, July 21). Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia.

Retrieved July 24, 2005, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_fusion

Parfit, Michael (2005). Future Power Where Will the World Get its Next Energy Fix.

National Geographic, August 2005. Retrieved August 2, 2005, from

http://www7.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0508/feature1/fulltext.html

Platt, Charles (1998). What if Cold Fusion is Real?.

Wired, 6.11. Retrieved August 3, 2005, from

http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/6.11/coldfusion.html

Cover image courtesy of:

http://www.cbc.ca/quirks/archives/03-04/dec13.html

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