Portfolio 3 - A summary about fusion power

Solid, liquid and gas are the three states of matter that we are familiar with. However, in the last century, a fourth state of matter called plasma has been introduced. In addition, the astounding fact is that the universe contains around 99 percent of plasma, which we did not realize for centuries!

The future of human survival much relies on new source of energy that replaces fossil fuel, which is decreasing and causing pollutions. Several sources have been proposed: Nuclear fuel which has a great potential, but is not widely accepted by the public; hydrogen power but consumes even more fossil fuels with current technology; and wind and solar energy that are still not in practice.

Plasma, which is defined as a high temperature ionized gas, can be one of the solutions by putting fusion into effect. Fusion just simply means the joining of atoms, which will cause a transformation of mass into energy. Such reaction requires an extremely high temperature, about 100 million degrees Celsius. One of the crucial problems is that how a container is to be designed to withstand such temperature without danger.

Fusion energy brings several important benefits. First, the source of fusion energy is easily available. Second, there will be relatively no negative impact to the environment. Third, less waste products are produced, if compared with nuclear fission power. Fusion energy is now recognized by scientists to be environmental friendly, more concentrated and perhaps inexhaustible for its abundance. We should put some hope on it for the future of human kinds.


Reference:

Lowman, M. (2006). Will fusion power provide energy solutions for our grandchildren? Retrieved September 11, 2008 from http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20060129/COLUMNIST18/601290335