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Physics 8 Online
OpenStudy (anonymous):

what is nuclear fusion?

OpenStudy (aravindg):

nicely explained here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_fusion

OpenStudy (anonymous):

Nuclear fusion is when you bring together two or more nuclei to form a heavier atom. For example the sun fuses two protons and two nutrons together to form helium nuclei. This takes tremendous energy to do that. Nuclear fission on the other hand is when you break up a nucleus into two or more parts.

OpenStudy (anonymous):

ok.. thanks

OpenStudy (anonymous):

np

OpenStudy (jamesj):

It's worth adding that while it does take tremendous energy to fuse hydrogen into helium, even more energy is released. Hence this equation is on a net basis an exothermic reaction. That is why the sun is hot.

OpenStudy (anonymous):

good old \[E=mc^{2}\] at work

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