thermonuclear reaction - it is nuclear reactions between light nuclei flowing at very high temperatures (above 108 K).At the same time a large amount of energy in the form of neutrons with high energy characteristics and photon - a particle of light.
high temperatures, and consequently, high-energy nuclei which collide, are needed to overcome the electrostatic barrier.This barrier is due to the mutual repulsion of the nuclei (as like-charged particles).Otherwise, they will not be able to approach to a distance sufficient for the nuclear force (which is about 10-12 cm).
thermonuclear reaction is the formation of nuclei, which are strongly linked, of more friable.Almost all of these reactions are fusion reactions (synthesis) lighter nuclei into heavier.
kinetic energy needed to overcome the mutual repulsion should increase with increasing nuclear charge.Therefore, the easiest passes fusion of light nuclei having small electric charge.
in nature thermonuclear reaction can take place only in stars.For its implementation in terrestrial conditions it is necessary to warm the substance a possible way:
- nuclear explosion;
- intense bombardment particle beam;
- powerful laser pulse or gas discharge.
thermonuclear reaction, which is in the interior of stars, plays a paramount role in the evolution of the universe.Firstly, in the stars of hydrogen nuclei formed future chemical elements, and secondly, an energy source star.
Thermonuclear reactions on the Sun
in the sun as the primary energy source of the reaction are the proton-proton cycle when four protons born one helium nucleus.The energy that is released during the synthesis is carried away by forming nuclei, neutrons, neutrinos and photons of electromagnetic radiation.Studying coming from the Sun neutrino flux, scientists are able to determine the nature and intesnivnost nuclear reactions that occur in its center.
average energy intensity of the sun on the earth's standards is negligible - only 2 erg / s * g (1 gram of solar masses).This value is much lower than the speed at electrowinning vivo during standard metabolism.And only thanks to the huge mass of the Sun (2 * 1033 g) total radiated power of them such enormous value as a 4 * 1028 Watts.
Thanks to the huge size and mass of the Sun and other stars, the problem of confinement of plasma and thermal insulation is achieved in them is perfect: the reactions occur in the hot core and heat transfer occurs with a cold surface.Just so stars can produce energy as efficiently in such a slow process, as the proton-proton cycle.In terrestrial conditions, such reactions are not feasible.
Thermonuclear power - the basis of future
On our planet, it makes sense to use and only use the most effective fusion reactions - especially the synthesis of helium and tritium nuclei Leiter.Such reactions in a relatively large scale is feasible only in the test explosions of hydrogen bombs.However, constantly maintained all new development to efficiently produce electricity peaceful.Conventional nuclear power uses a decomposition reaction, and energy involved in thermonuclear fusion.This thermonuclear reaction has several advantages over the reaction of nuclear fission.
1. When thermonuclear reactions have the opportunity to avoid exposure of radiation as an energy product in this case is the "clean" energy of light.
2. According to the number of received energy thermonuclear processes far outperform conventional nuclear reactions that are used in modern reactors.
3. In order to maintain the reaction of nuclear fission, requires constant monitoring of neutron flux, or may be followed by an uncontrolled chain reaction, threatening humanity.For fusion energy neutron flux is used instead of the high temperature, so these risks disappear.
4. The fuel for fusion reactions is harmless, unlike the decay products of nuclear reactor fuel.
Not so long ago, American scientists have managed to create a working model of a thermonuclear reaction in which the energy output of one hundred times the energy.It is a good application for the further successful "domestication" of fusion energy.
