Does Cold Fusion Exist?
Viewpoint: Yes, the experiments of Martin Fleischmann and Stanley Pons offered legitimate proof that cold fusion exists, and subsequent efforts by other scientists have supported their claim.
Viewpoint: No, Fleischmann and Pons did not utilize proper control experiments, failed to address errors, and incorrectly used significant figures. Properly conducted experiments by other scientists have not supported their claims.
Nuclear fusion is the coming together of two smaller atomic nuclei to form a larger one, with the release of energy. Nuclei, which consist of protons and neutrons, are positively charged. They tend to repel one other, and it is difficult to get a fusion reaction started.
If the nuclei can be forced very close together, the attractive nuclear force, which is effective only at close range, overcomes the repulsive electro-static force. This is what happens in the hot core of a star, where the force of gravity pulls the nuclei into a densely packed condition in which fusion can take place.
To an industrialized world with dwindling supplies of fossil fuels, being able to harness the energy that powers the stars is a very attractive prospect. However, here on Earth, forcing the nuclei close together over the opposition of the electrostatic force requires slamming them into each other at very high speeds.
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