What is a thermonuclear reaction?

A thermonuclear reaction is a nuclear reaction between light atomic nuclei, proceeding at a very high temperature (above 108 K). In this case a large amount of energy is formed in the form of neutrons with a high energy index and photons - particles of light.

The high temperatures, and consequently the higher energies of the nuclei that collide, are necessary to overcome the electrostatic barrier. This barrier is due to the mutual repulsion of the nuclei (as the charged particles of the same name). Otherwise, they could not get closer to a distance sufficient for the action of nuclear forces (which is approximately 10-12 cm).

The thermonuclear reaction is the process of formation of nuclei, which are strongly interrelated, from the more friable. Almost all such reactions refer to the reactions of fusion (synthesis) of lighter nuclei into heavy ones.

The kinetic energy necessary to overcome mutual repulsion should increase as the nuclear charge increases. Therefore, the synthesis of light nuclei with a small electric charge is the easiest.

In nature, a thermonuclear reaction can take place only in the interior of the stars. To implement it under terrestrial conditions, it is necessary to heat up the substance in one of the possible ways:

• Nuclear explosion;
• Bombardment with an intense particle beam;
• A powerful laser pulse or a gas discharge.

The thermonuclear reaction that goes in the bowels of the stars plays an archival role in the evolution of the universe. First, nuclei of future chemical elements are formed from hydrogen in stars, and secondly, it is the energy source of stars.

Thermonuclear reactions to the Sun

On the Sun, the proton-proton cycle is the main source of energy, when one nucleus of helium is produced from four protons. Energy, which is released during the synthesis, is carried away by generating nuclei, neutrons, neutrinos and quanta of electromagnetic radiation. Studying the neutrino flux coming from the Sun, scientists can establish the nature and introspection of the nuclear reactions that occur in its center.

The average intensity of energy release of the Sun by earthly standards is negligible - only 2 erg / s * g (per 1 gram of solar mass). This value is much less than the rate of electrowinning in the living body during the process of standard metabolism. And only because of the huge mass of the Sun (2 * 1033 g), the total amount of radiated power is such a giant amount, like 4 * 1028 W.

Due to the huge size and mass of the Sun and other stars, the problem of confinement and thermal insulation of the plasma is solved in them ideally: the reactions take place in a hot core, and the heat transfer occurs from a cooler surface. That is why the stars can produce energy so effectively in such slow processes as the proton-proton cycle. Under terrestrial conditions, such reactions are practically impracticable.

Thermonuclear power is the basis of the future

On our planet, it makes sense to use and use only the most effective of thermonuclear reactions - first of all, the synthesis of helium from the nuclei of the lytherium and tritium. Such reactions on a relatively large scale are feasible so far only in test explosions of hydrogen bombs. Nevertheless, all new developments are constantly being carried out in order to effectively obtain peaceful electricity. Traditional nuclear energy uses a decay reaction, and in fusion power synthesis is involved. At the same time, the thermonuclear reaction has a number of undeniable advantages over the reaction of nuclear decay.

1. In thermonuclear reactions, it is possible to avoid the release of radioactive radiation, since the energy product in this case is the "clean" light energy.

2. By the amount of energy received, thermonuclear processes far outstrip the traditional atomic reactions that are used in modern reactors.

3. To maintain the reaction of nuclear decay, constant monitoring of the neutron flux is necessary, otherwise an unmanageable chain reaction, dangerous for mankind, can follow. To obtain thermonuclear energy, instead of a neutron flux, a high temperature is used, so these risks disappear.

4. Fuel for thermonuclear reactions is harmless, unlike nuclear fuel decay products.

Not so long ago, American scientists were able to create a working model of a thermonuclear reaction, in which energy output is a hundred times greater than energy costs. This is a good claim for further successful "taming" of thermonuclear power.