Magnetic confinement

Definition

Magnetic confinement is a method used to contain hot plasma within a magnetic field to sustain nuclear fusion reactions. It prevents the plasma from coming into contact with the reactor walls, which could cool and contaminate it.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Magnetic confinement is essential for sustaining the high temperatures required for nuclear fusion.
2. The most common devices for magnetic confinement are Tokamaks and Stellarators.
3. Magnetic fields in these devices can reach several Tesla, strong enough to confine plasma effectively.
4. Efficient magnetic confinement reduces energy losses due to radiation and conduction.
5. Achieving stable magnetic confinement is one of the biggest challenges in making fusion reactors commercially viable.

Review Questions

• What role does magnetic confinement play in nuclear fusion?
• Name two types of devices used for magnetic confinement.
• Why is it important to prevent plasma from contacting the reactor walls?

Related terms

Tokamak: A toroidal device that uses a combination of external magnets and an internal current to confine plasma.

Stellarator: A device that uses intricately shaped magnetic coils to confine plasma without requiring an internal current.

Plasma: A state of matter consisting of ionized gas with free electrons and ions, essential for nuclear fusion reactions.