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submitted 3 days ago by fossilesque@lemmy.dbzer0.com to c/science_memes@mander.xyz

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[-] Eheran@lemmy.world 1 points 1 day ago

Electron repulsion is irrelevant compared to the energies needed for fusion. It only takes a few eV to throw electrons out orbit, since they are so far away from the nucleus. On the other hand, a nucleus itself would be attracted to these electrons equally much approaching them and passing them, resulting in a net 0 effect.

The electrostatic effect of the 2 positive nuclei repelling is WAY larger due to the extremely small distances needed for fusion.

[-] mexicancartel@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 13 hours ago

What about the inverse beta decay thing? If electrons are also being compressed it should end up becoming neutrons right?

Electron repulsion might be irrelevant but being bound to electrons isn't. Electrons aren't being thrown out of the orbit here since its cold. It's getting squished into.

(I also disagree with the net zero claim, due to the sheilding effect of outer electrons, but still that too is irrelevant so np)

[-] Eheran@lemmy.world 1 points 2 hours ago

If there is enough pressure to make neutrons, we are well past making iron. They are pushed into the core regardless if they are bound to the classical orbits or in a plasma state, the latter at these pressures really does not mean anything anymore, the electrons can freely move in any case.

The + charge of the nucleus is accelerated to the electrons, so it first gets faster, then just as much slower again when it flies past them.