Final answer:
Nuclear fusion is a process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy. However, it requires extremely high temperatures and can result in some production of radioactive waste.
Step-by-step explanation:
When nuclear fusion occurs, two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. This process releases a significant amount of energy because the mass of the resultant nucleus is less than the total mass of the two original nuclei, showcasing the mass-energy equivalence principle evident in Einstein's famous equation, E=mc2. In stars, including the Sun, fusion is the primary energy source, with hydrogen nuclei fusing to form helium.
Disadvantages of Nuclear Fusion
High Temperatures Required: Achieving the conditions necessary for fusion requires extreme temperatures, often in the range of millions of degrees Celsius, to overcome the electrostatic Coulomb force between positively charged nuclei.
Radioactive Waste: Although less than fission, fusion reactions can still produce radioactive waste through interactions between the released neutrons and the reactor materials, leading to the production of radioactive isotopes.