What is nuclear fusion?

Nuclear fusion is the process where two lighter atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a significant amount of energy in the process. This phenomenon is responsible for the energy produced by stars, including our sun, where hydrogen nuclei fuse to create helium, releasing energy that powers the star and emits light and heat.

In contrast, the other options describe different nuclear processes. Splitting a nucleus to release energy refers to nuclear fission, where a heavy nucleus splits into smaller parts, which is the principle behind nuclear reactors and atomic bombs. The decay of radioactive materials involves the transformation of unstable nuclei into stable ones, often through beta or alpha decay, releasing radiation but not energy through fusion. The transformation of thermal energy to kinetic energy describes a common physical principle in thermodynamics, but it does not pertain to nuclear processes at the atomic level.

Understanding nuclear fusion is crucial in fields such as astrophysics, energy production, and advancements in clean energy technologies, as it holds potential for providing a nearly limitless source of energy if harnessed effectively on Earth.