Question

Why energy is released in nuclear fusion?

Answer 1

The reason for nuclear fusion is exothermic

1. Fusion is the mechanism by which active stars are powered, releasing vast amounts of energy.
2. The basis of the energy produced in the fusion of light elements is due to the interplay of two competing forces: the nuclear force, which draws protons and neutrons together, and the Coulomb force, which repels each other by triggering protons.
3. Since the specific binding energy (binding energy per mass) of intermediate-mass nuclei is greater than the nucleon-specific binding energy of very heavy nuclei, nuclear fusion of heavy elements creates exploitable energy, so the difference in binding energy in the two cases is the released energy.
4. Two lighter atomic nuclei join in a fusion reaction to form a heavy nucleus, thus releasing energy. Devices meant to harness this power are referred to as fusion reactors.
5. Fusion power is a theoretical method of power generation that, by using heat from nuclear fusion reactions, will produce electricity.

Hence, nuclear fusion release energy.