10 Examples of Fusion Reactions

Fusion reactions unlike fission reactions involve the merging of atomic nuclei and release immense energy. They are the driving force behind stars, including our sun, and hold the promise of clean and virtually limitless energy on Earth.

Examples of Fusion Reactions

Here are the 10 examples of fusion reactions.

1. Hydrogen-Hydrogen Fusion

Hydrogen-hydrogen (H-H) fusion powers stars, including our sun. In this reaction, two hydrogen nuclei combine to form helium, releasing a substantial amount of energy.

2. Hydrogen-Deuterium Fusion

Hydrogen-deuterium (H-D) fusion is a crucial step in the hydrogen fusion chain. It occurs in stars and is a target for future nuclear fusion energy projects.

3. Deuterium-Deuterium Fusion

Deuterium-deuterium (D-D) fusion is a key reaction in experimental fusion research, and it’s considered a potential fuel source for future fusion reactors.

4. Tritium-Deuterium Fusion

Tritium-deuterium (T-D) fusion is another fusion reaction of interest for future energy production. It releases more energy than D-D fusion.

5. Boron-Proton Fusion

Boron-proton (B-P) fusion, also known as the p-B11 reaction, is a candidate for aneutronic fusion, producing minimal radiation. It’s being explored as a clean energy source.

6. Helium-Helium Fusion

In more massive stars, helium-helium (He-He) fusion plays a significant role in energy production, contributing to their long lifetimes.

7. Carbon-Carbon Fusion

Carbon-carbon (C-C) fusion occurs in the cores of massive stars during their late stages of evolution.

8. Oxygen-Oxygen Fusion

In the most massive stars, oxygen-oxygen (O-O) fusion can occur, leading to the formation of heavier elements.

9. Lithium-Hydrogen Fusion

Lithium-hydrogen (Li-H) fusion reactions are studied in the context of experimental fusion research due to their potential as fuel sources.

10. Helium-Beryllium Fusion

Helium-beryllium (He-Be) fusion is of interest in astrophysics and laboratory research, contributing to our understanding of stellar evolution.