Where is deuterium formed

Deuterium and tritium are isotopes of hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe. Whereas all isotopes of hydrogen have one proton, deuterium also has one neutron and tritium has two neutrons, so their ion masses are heavier than protium, the isotope of hydrogen with no neutrons. When deuterium and tritium fuse, they create a helium nucleus, which has two protons and two neutrons. The reaction releases an energetic neutron. Fusion power plants would convert energy released from fusion reactions into electricity to power our homes, businesses, and other needs.

Fortunately, deuterium is common. About 1 out of every 5, hydrogen atoms in seawater is in the form of deuterium. This means our oceans contain many tons of deuterium. Of all possible fusion reactions, the one that involves deuterium D and the other heavy isotope of hydrogen tritium T is the "easiest" to achieve in the present state of technology.

Despite some downsides—such as the production of highly energetic neutrons, and the fact that tritium is a slightly radioactive element—the DT reaction will probably remain for a long time to come the only way to produce viable fusion energy.

To date, only JET and the American tokamak TFTR have burned the "actual fusion fuels" deuterium and tritium and produced significant levels of fusion energy. Present tokamaks or stellarators all conduct their experiments with "deuterium-only" plasmas, whose behaviour in terms of confinement, heating, and general "plasma engineering" is very close to that of a DT plasma.

Tore Supra. Deuterium has made fusion research possible. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Facebook Facebook Twitter Twitter.

Updated April 02, Featured Video. Cite this Article Format. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph. Deuterium Facts. Hydrogen Facts - H or Atomic Number 1. Atomic Number One on the Periodic Table. Your Privacy Rights.

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