The Joint European Torus, or JET, is a reactor that beat the world record for the amount of energy released by nuclear fusion on Earth, with the plasma in the reactor clocking in at 59 megajoules’ worth of energy. Scientists are studying nuclear fusion, which is the nuclear reaction that takes place in stars, and are trying to create a nuclear fusion-based reactor to meet the planet’s increasing demand of electricity. This impressive scientific feat will provide valuable data to possibly allow for the construction of feasible nuclear fusion reactors in the future.
Key Takeaways:
- The Joint European Torus, or JET, was able to make plasma that released 59 megajoules’ worth of energy.
- Nuclear fusion using deuterium-tritium fuel results in the generation of high-energy neutrons, so strong shielding is a requirement.
- The JET nuclear fusion experiments will help in the creation of nuclear fusion reactors in the future.
“Nuclear fusion — the same reaction that occurs in the heart of stars — merges atomic nuclei to form heavier nuclei.”
Read more: https://www.space.com/jet-fusion-experiment-smashes-energy-record
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