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Answer to Question #1655 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"Category: Radiation Basics — Fission, Fusion The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field: Q
Fusion is based on joining two light nuclei together. The lightest element is hydrogen, and the two isotopes of hydrogen most readily fused together are hydrogen-2 (deuterium) and hydrogen-3 (tritium). Is this why fusion-based weapons are often refered to as hydrogen bombs?
A
Because of the short range of the nuclear force, nuclear reactions can occur only when two nuclei come into close proximity. In order for this to happen, one nucleus must approach another with sufficient energy to overcome the mutual electrostatic repulsive force of their like (positive) charges. It thus requires the least energy to bring nuclei with low atomic number together. It also happens that light nuclei can react by fusing, thus releasing energy. Naturally, the lightest element, hydrogen, has unique properties in this setting, which is exploited in the hydrogen bomb—a fusion weapon, as you state. The specific reactions involving the three isotopes of hydrogen in the weapon are described and shown in a table on p.508 of Dark Sun, the Making of the Hydrogen Bomb by Richard Rhodes (Simon and Schuster, New York, 1995).
James Turner, CHP, PhD
Answer posted on 8 February 2002. The information and material posted on this website is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Website. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.
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