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Consider an ionised plasma of protons in thermal equilibrium. Assuming a Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution, estimate the temperature required for two protons to overcome the Coulomb barrier for fusion assuming an approach distance of 1 fm. Compare this with the temperature when quantum effects come into play. For this, use the distance between the two protons as the de-Broglie wavelength at which Coulomb energy becomes equal to the kinetic energy of the protons.   Click for Solution

       Source:Sarita Vig