which nuclear reaction uses the least expensive materials and produces the least amount of radioactive by-products?
Answer Hello Steven: Thanks for your question! Regarding which kind of nuclear reaction produces the least amount of radioactive by-products… Fusion, which takes place when lighter atomic nuclei are combined to form heavier nuclei, releases roughly one million times the energy released by the burning of oil. A fusion power plant would use the nuclei of the two isotopes of hydrogen, deuterium and tritium, both of which are readily obtained and so plentiful as to be virtually inexhaustible. Unlike the burning of oil or other fossil fuels, a fusion reaction does not contribute to global warming. And unlike nuclear fission, fusion cannot sustain any uncontrolled chain reaction, and — if done right — does not produce high-level radioactive by-products that must be carefully stored for thousands of years. Also review: http://www.oncorgroup.com/community/education/knowledgecollege/energy_library/el…
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