Transitioning from Nuclear Fission to Nuclear Fusion as a Source of Power
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Ryan Zatorsky
College:
The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics, and Technology
Major:
Chemistry
Faculty Research Advisor(s):
Matthew Mongelli, Subhasish Chatterjee
Abstract:
The purpose of this research is to compare nuclear fusion to nuclear fission in terms of reactor design, chemical reactions, and concerns regarding waste and safety. Based on the information presented, the present study helps to understand as to why there should be a transition from nuclear fission to nuclear fusion as a source of power. The research study follows both qualitative and quantitative information gathered from various sources provided by the Kean University Library database. The key results are as follows: it has been discovered that fusion reactors can produce 14.1 mega electron-volts of energy from a single reaction involving deuterium and tritium, and can overall produce four times more energy than fission reactions. It has also been discovered that nuclear fusion as a source of power will be free of radioactive waste, as the products formed are helium of the noble gasses, and neutrons. Furthermore, the tritium used for this reaction emits beta radiation of 18.6 kilo electron-volts, which is not enough to penetrate neither human skin or clothes, thus ensuring the safety of fusion reactor use. With this new source of power, more clean and renewable energy can be produced free of radioactive waste, and without chances of undergoing a nuclear meltdown and creating disastrous, long term consequences such as contaminating the surrounding land with its released radioactive materials, or putting nearby citizens at risk of developing neoplastic diseases.