ITER

Definition

ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) is a major international fusion research and engineering project aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of nuclear fusion as a large-scale and carbon-free source of energy. This collaborative effort involves multiple countries and seeks to create a sustained fusion reaction that produces more energy than it consumes, paving the way for future fusion power plants.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ITER is located in France and is designed to be the world's largest experimental fusion reactor, with construction beginning in 2007 and aiming for first plasma by 2025.
2. The project involves collaboration among 35 nations, including the European Union, the United States, Russia, China, India, Japan, and South Korea, making it one of the largest scientific collaborations ever.
3. ITER aims to demonstrate a tenfold return on energy, meaning it intends to generate 500 megawatts of output power from just 50 megawatts of input power.
4. The reactor will use deuterium and tritium as fuel sources, which are isotopes of hydrogen that can produce significant energy during fusion reactions.
5. ITER serves as a crucial stepping stone toward future commercial fusion power plants by providing insights into plasma behavior and stability in large-scale operations.

Review Questions

• How does ITER plan to demonstrate the feasibility of nuclear fusion as an energy source?
  • ITER plans to demonstrate the feasibility of nuclear fusion by creating a controlled environment where deuterium and tritium can fuse to produce energy. The goal is to achieve a sustained fusion reaction that outputs more energy than is put into it, achieving a tenfold return on energy. This will involve advanced technology and collaboration between many countries to build a reactor that can withstand the extreme conditions necessary for nuclear fusion.
• Discuss the significance of international collaboration in the success of ITER and its implications for global energy solutions.
  • International collaboration in ITER is significant because it brings together expertise, resources, and funding from multiple countries to tackle the complex challenges of fusion energy research. This cooperative effort not only enhances the technical capabilities of the project but also fosters shared goals towards a sustainable and clean energy future. The success of ITER could lead to breakthroughs that help mitigate climate change by providing a safe, carbon-free energy source for the world.
• Evaluate the potential impacts of successful fusion technology developed through ITER on future energy systems worldwide.
  • If ITER successfully demonstrates practical nuclear fusion technology, it could revolutionize energy systems globally by providing an abundant, safe, and sustainable energy source. Unlike fossil fuels, fusion produces minimal waste and no greenhouse gases during operation. The transition to fusion power could reduce reliance on finite resources and stabilize global energy markets while addressing climate change concerns. Additionally, successful fusion technology could inspire further innovations in related fields, leading to advancements in energy storage and distribution.

Related terms

Nuclear Fusion:

A nuclear reaction in which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy in the process.

Tokamak: A device used to confine plasma using magnetic fields in order to achieve the conditions necessary for nuclear fusion.

Plasma: The fourth state of matter, consisting of ionized gas with free-moving charged particles, essential for sustaining fusion reactions.