How Do These Lazers Exactly Achieve Fusionike?

2min Snip

00:00

Play full episode

Summary

Transcript

Episode notes

The fuel capsule is about half the diameter of a human hair. It has to be compressed symmetrically in order for it to fuse with other particles. The atoms are moving so fast past each other that if they end up aimed at each other, they'll overcome resistance and then they'll collide and they'll stick.

Scientists are closer than ever to harnessing fusion power — the same process that powers the sun — by essentially making a small star here on Earth. Fusion could give humanity its best shot at solving the climate crisis, but the technology has yet to be perfected and would require billions more in investments. Is it worth the bet?

For more, go to http://vox.com/unexplainable

It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show.

Also, email us! unexplainable@vox.com

We read every email.

Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices