eli5: To make fusion energy viable, we need to get out more energy than it takes to actually run the process. But doesn’t that contradict the laws of thermodynamics (getting more energy out then you put in)?

Question

eli5: To make fusion energy viable, we need to get out more energy than it takes to actually run the process. But doesn’t that contradict the laws of thermodynamics (getting more energy out then you put in)?

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Answer 1

No, because E=MCC (C squared). It’s that trick of squatting the speed of light that makes converting mass into energy so appealing. Once we get the physics right to contain the plasma in a fusion reactor, we’ll have boundless energy available with minimum radioactive byproducts to deal with.