eli5: once we are able to sustain a fusion reaction, it is supposed to be a self sustaining process (so I have read). How would we be able to “switch off ” this process, and wouldn’t a self sustaining process be an example of a perpetual process?
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Fusion requires a very large pressure and temperature. If you release the pressure, the reaction stops. Also, fusion requires fuel and will eventually run out and stop if it unless it’s given more.
It’s much more difficult to stop the fission reactions our current nuclear power is based on. With continuous cooling and insertion of rods that slow down the reaction, we can keep it under control but without them, the fission reaction will keep fissioning faster and faster and become hot enough to melt through the ground and spread to the ground water.
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