what are the dangers?
2006-11-05 14:53:44 · 5 answers · asked by jqdsilva 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
No, but experimental reactors do exist.
And they are way less dangerous than fission reactors. If we lose control of a fusion reaction there in no danger to the general public. Worst case the plasma interacts with the reactor wall and damages the reactor. But the plasma will expand, cool, and the fusion reaction will stop naturally.
2006-11-05 15:52:08 · answer #1 · answered by sparrowhawk 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No. A plant is not a laboratory experiment. It has been very difficult to reach the break-even point (in laboratories) where the test reactor generates more energy than it consumes.
The biggest danger is that controlled fusion will prove too difficult to do, and the best hope for a solution to all our energy problems will be gone.
I'm still optimistic.
2006-11-06 05:15:48 · answer #2 · answered by SAN 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes, we DO have fusion plants, at least one (ITER) in experimental stage. THe main danger is that we think, idiotically, that we can't control it once the reation begins and that it may not generate energy in a controlled way. we can, though-
oh, crud, I just realized that I'm low on tritium. Back to siphoning it off from millions of gallons of seawater- AGAIN
2006-11-06 00:44:16 · answer #3 · answered by sciguy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi. Only on a small. experimental scale. The dangers are that, as in any reaction which changes the nucleus of an atom, we may lose control or radiate into the environment.
2006-11-05 22:58:04 · answer #4 · answered by Cirric 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
no, however nuclear plants do exist only they are used much like coal fire plants in that they heat water to turn steam turbines
2006-11-05 23:00:54 · answer #5 · answered by eskew_obfuscation 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋