Deuterium: Difference between revisions

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'''Deuterium''' is an isotope of the chemical element [[Hydrogen]] (chemical symbol H). Hydrogen contains only one proton in its nucleus. Protium contains only the proton, deuterium's nucleus contains one neutron in addition to the proton, and [[tritium]] contains two neutrons. Deuterium nuclei produce a great deal of energy when fused together into helium nuclei. This is the fusion reaction that occurs in the sun and all other stars. So, deuterium is a primary fuel source for [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] starship reactors.

Deuterium has a natural abundance on planet surfaces, such as on [[Earth]] and [[Pegasi Delta]]. The Covenant build refineries to refine this material for use in their ships<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''page 15''</ref>. It is also used in [[UNSC]] stations, most likely to power the onboard reactors and, should the need arise, facilitate self-destruction by flooding the reserve tanks into the reaction chamber.<ref>'''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''', ''page 286''</ref>