The Pros And Cons Of Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear energy is a source of only slightly-tapped potential; scientists have only touched the tip of the iceberg. Nuclear energy can be created through two different processes: Fusion and Fission. One happens through the merging of nuclei, while the other is caused through the separation of nuclei. Both reactions release energy which, ideally, could be harnessed to provide a source for large quantities of clean energy.
Fusion is a reaction that occurs through the merging of two or more nuclei in order to form a heavier nucleus. Fusion requires an environment with a high density and a high temperature, it only occurs naturally in the sun and the stars. The type of fusion found in the sun, and other stars with similar temperatures, is primarily proton-proton fusion. Stars with even high temperatures display a process known as carbon fusion. For older stars who are collapsing inwardly, helium fusion takes place, it occurs through a process called the triple-alpha process. Fusion (and fission) are possible thanks to a principle known as the Mass-Energy Equivalence Theory, which is based on Einstein's theory of E=mc^2. The principle states that through conversion mass is not LOST but CONVERTED into energy. While both momentum and total energy remain constants, the total mass of a system may still change. This can be seen in the collision of a proton and an electron, the collision eliminates the mass of both of the particles, but the energy released from the collision can be found in the form of photons. This is the energy that is released through the fusion process, the same energy we wish we could harness. The most notable benefit of being able to harness the energy released during nuclear fusion would be a cost-effective, clean...

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...the explosion at Hiroshima, Japan which was set off at the hands of the United States of America with the intent to end World War II. The problem with this kind of uncontrolled reaction is that it has the potential to cause mass destruction, not only from the initial explosion, but also from the nuclear fallout after the explosion which affects surrounding areas as well. This is why countries tread lightly when it comes to nuclear power, all of the major countries have nuclear abilities and weaponry, but not very many of them are eager to use them.
The bottom line? Both the reactions (fission and fusion) reactions release kiltons worth of energy; whether set off in a controlled setting (reactor) and harnessed to provide a clean energy source, or set off and allowed to occur uncontrolled for the use of destruction, the sheer power of the reactions is undeniable.