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In a nuclear fusion reaction [[nuclei]] of light [[elements]] join together (fuse) to produce heavier nuclei with a higher [[atomic number]]. The mass of these heavier nuclei is slightly less than the sum of the masses of the original nuclei and the missing mass is released as energy, in accordance with the famous equation [[E=mc²]].

In a nuclear fusion reaction [[nuclei]] of light [[elements]] join together (fuse) to produce heavier nuclei with a higher [[atomic number]]. The mass of these heavier nuclei is slightly less than the sum of the masses of the original nuclei and the missing mass is released as energy, in accordance with the famous equation [[E=mc²]].

For man-made fusion, the nuclei involved may be two [[deuterium]] (heavy hydrogen) nuclei, each consisting of one [[proton]] and one [[neutron]] and combining to produce a [[helium]] nucleus or [[alpha particle]] (two protons and two neutrons). [[Tritium]] is sometimes also used, but the distinction is not relevant to this article. Other forms of fusion may also be possible, and with hot deuterium fusion, the product is only rarely helium, which is always accompanied by an energetic gamma ray. The vast bulk of such fusions result in a neutron plus Helium-3, or tritium plus a proton.

For man-made fusion, the nuclei involved may be two [[deuterium]] (heavy hydrogen) nuclei, each consisting of one [[proton]] and one [[neutron]] and combining to produce a [[helium]] nucleus or [[alpha particle]] (two protons and two neutrons). [[Tritium]] is sometimes also used, but the distinction is not relevant to this article. Other forms of fusion are possible. With hot deuterium fusion, the product is only rarely helium, which is always accompanied by an energetic gamma ray. The vast bulk of such fusions result in a neutron plus Helium-3, or tritium plus a proton.

Since deuterium nuclei have a positive charge, they repel one another and thus the chief problem in achieving ordinary fusion is to get the nuclei close enough together to fuse. With hot fusion, this is accomplished by major heat, millions of degrees.

Since deuterium nuclei have a positive charge, they repel one another and thus the chief problem in achieving ordinary fusion is to get the nuclei close enough together to fuse. With hot fusion, this is accomplished by major heat, millions of degrees.