What is nuclear fusion? Explain with the help of an example. Also write the nuclear equation.

Explanation

The process where cwo nuclei of a light element [like that of hydrogen] combine to form a heavy nucleus [like that of helium] is called nuclear fusion. There is some loss of mass in nuclear fusion which gets converted into a tremendous amount of energy. Nuclear fusion is carried out by heating the lighter elements to extremely high temperature under extremely high pressure.
For example when deuterium atoms are heated to an extremely high temperature under extremely high pressure, two deuterium nuclei combine to form a heavy nucleus of helium and a neutron is emitted. A tremendous amount of energy is liberated in this reaction.
`""_(1)^(2) H + ""_(1)^(2) H rarr ""(3)/(2) "He" + ""(1)_(0)n ` + Huge amount of energy.
The energy produced during nuclear fusion has not been controlled so fas. So, nuclear fusion energy has not be used for generating electricity so far.