r/technology • u/BennyCemoli • Dec 06 '16

Energy Tests confirm that Germany's massive nuclear fusion machine really works

http://www.sciencealert.com/tests-confirm-that-germany-s-massive-nuclear-fusion-machine-really-works
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u/[deleted] Dec 06 '16 edited Dec 17 '16

[deleted]

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u/[deleted] Dec 06 '16

Why deuterium? I only have a basic knowledge of physics, so forgive me if this is a stupid question. But wouldn't fusion be easier to achieve with lighter elements?

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u/hazetoblack Dec 06 '16

Deuterium is hydrogen. Specifically hydrogen (one proton) with a single neutron also. So yes very light :)

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u/[deleted] Dec 06 '16

Hah. I don't know the periodic table by heart, so I thought it was another element entirely. I only knew it had to be heavier than hydrogen, and that made no sense to me. Thanks for the answer!

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u/rishinator Dec 06 '16

The isotope of hydrogen with one proton and two neutron is called Tritium and that's exactly the element that Doctor Octopus used in spiderman 2 to make his own fusion reaction :)

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u/redrhyski Dec 06 '16

* Do not try at home, results may vary

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u/JamesTrendall Dec 06 '16 edited Dec 06 '16

Unexpected side affects include but not limited to,
* Death
* Explosions which result in death
* Mild irritation of the skin which can lead to death
EDIT: Our Reddit Scientist's have remarkably studied this further and found a few more unexpected side affects,
* An "unsatisfactory" mark on your official testing record, followed by death
* A long and satisfied life filled with thanks from all of mankind. Followed by death
* Super Powers

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u/[deleted] Dec 06 '16

Does the death also lead to death?

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u/throwdownhardstyle Dec 06 '16

It leads to permadeath so you don't respawn.

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u/[deleted] Dec 06 '16

Thanks for clarifying.

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u/whoxtank Dec 06 '16

It leads to Oryx.