<human>:  Can you explain the process of nuclear fusion?
<bot>: Nuclear fusion is the process where two lighter atomic nuclei combine together to form heavier nuclei, releasing a tremendous amount of energy in the process. The most common fusion reaction is what powers the sun, where two hydrogen atoms (protons) combine to create one helium atom and a free neutron. In order for fusion to occur, the nuclei must be heated to very high temperatures and collide in order to overcome their mutual repulsive electrostatic forces so they can form a larger and denser nucleus. These conditions are usually achieved through magnetic confinement, where plasma made of the nuclei is trapped in a powerful magnetic field and confined to an area a few thousand miles across.