Magnetism and Magnetic Materials

Magnetic Fusion

Magnetic fusion is an approach to produce thermonuclear fusion power that uses magnetic fields to confine fusion fuel in the form of plasma. Fusion reactions combine light atomic nuclei such as hydrogen to form massive ones such as helium, producing energy. Magnetic fusion tries to use the electrical conductivity of the plasma to contain it through interaction with magnetic fields. The magnetic pressure reduces the plasma pressure. The fundamental fusion energy reactions in a laboratory were achieved in 1934 a major breakthrough at the time. There are three states of matter: solid, liquid and gas. If a gas is subjected to very high temperatures, it becomes plasma. In plasma, electrons are rifle from the atoms. An atom with no electrons orbiting around the nucleus is said to be ionized and is called an ion. As a result, plasma is made of ions and free electrons. In this state, scientists can stimulate ions so that they smash into one another, fuse and release energy. Types of Fusion Reactors are: