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Scientist Alex Nagy is crazy about fusion research - the fascinating area of physics and thermonuclear chemistry that uses various states of matter, solids, liquids, gases, and plasma to heat and contain super heated plasma in a magnetic field to make atomic nuclei fuse in the laboratory. This process happens naturally in stars, making it happen in a controlled laboratory device has been a life long dream.
What also excites Alex is introducing a new generation of young students to this field of science and the role it is playing to help researchers produce environmentally clean and long-term sources of energy for the future.
"Fusion is powerful stuff," says Alex. "For example, it's the dominant process that allows the stars in the heavens to shine." In physics and nuclear chemistry, fusion occurs when low mass (< mass 12) atomic particles join together, thereby forming a heavier nucleus which in turn causes energy to be released or absorbed.
His presentations on fusion, which he conducts for students at schools as far away as Hawaii, are well-known, wowing audiences not only for their informative content but also their dramatic excitement.
Says Alex: "These presentations give young students, their teachers and parents, an opportunity to experience fusion-related science topics such as: the scientific method, electromagnetism, liquid nitrogen properties and behavior, plasma in a light bulb, and air plasma (laboratory lightning)."
During his fusion demonstrations, the audience watches as liquid nitrogen floats on the floor of the classroom (the condensation generated by roiling, cold liquid) while the human body serves as a conductor to light a fluorescent light bulb.
"In addition to covering principles of science and math," says Alex, "hands-on presentations help motivate students to explore science careers and to create a new generation of scientists in fields that are losing large percentages of their workforces to retirement and other sources."
Such outreach presentations in fusion also benefit science teachers as well, he says. "Although many physical science classes teach students about the various states of matter," Alex says, "all too often teachers do not have the budget or other resources to allow their students to observe elaborate, exciting presentations on such subjects, or to experience engaging fusion science demonstrations themselves."
Make no mistake about it, says the hard-driving scientist, "fusion research will become increasingly important as fossil fuels and coal -- two of the more common sources of energy generation become less viable."
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