This radioactive boyscout built a working fusion reactor in his spare time. For readers who don’t know, fusion is the combining of lighter elements to create heavier elements, as opposed to fission which breaks down heavier elements. Both processes produce energy which can, in theory, be harnessed for electricity (although fusion has yet to be used on a commercial scale). However, as opposed to fission, fusion does not produce any radioactive waste. Stars undergo fusion producing heat and electromagnetic radiation; so in effect this kid has a tiny star in his basement. Although this is an incredibly impressive accomplishment, the device cannot produce usable energy, as it uses more energy for its operation than it gives off.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
This Kid is on the Ball
This radioactive boyscout built a working fusion reactor in his spare time. For readers who don’t know, fusion is the combining of lighter elements to create heavier elements, as opposed to fission which breaks down heavier elements. Both processes produce energy which can, in theory, be harnessed for electricity (although fusion has yet to be used on a commercial scale). However, as opposed to fission, fusion does not produce any radioactive waste. Stars undergo fusion producing heat and electromagnetic radiation; so in effect this kid has a tiny star in his basement. Although this is an incredibly impressive accomplishment, the device cannot produce usable energy, as it uses more energy for its operation than it gives off.
