View source for Nuclear fusion

[[Category: Physics]]
== Explanation ==
Nuclear fusion is the process in which lighter nuclei fuse together at a very high [[temperature]] to form a stable heavier [[atomic nucleus|nucleus]]. In the process, a massive amount of [[energy]] is released along with [[proton]]s and [[neutron]]s. A good example of the nuclear fusion reaction is the stars. The [[hydrogen]] atoms in the core of the [[sun]], fuses due to the high [[kinetic energy]] from the temperature to form [[helium]], thus powering it up with the energy.
== Frequently Asked Questions ==
=== Where does the energy of the nuclear fusion reaction come from? ===
The energy released is attributed to the energy required to overcome the long-range electrostatic repulsion of protons, so that the lighter nuclei could fuse together and form a heavier nucleus. This is also the reason why the combined mass of the nuclei is higher than the mass of the heavier nucleus formed after the reaction. The lost mass attributes to the released energy and other subatomic particles released along with it.