Deuterium: Difference between revisions

{{Status|Canon}}

{{Wikipedia}}

'''Deuterium''' is an isotope of the chemical element [[hydrogen]] (chemical symbol H). While the nucleus of protium (the most common form of Hydrogen) contains only the single proton, deuterium's nucleus contains one neutron in addition to the proton, and [[tritium]]'s contains one proton and two neutrons. Deuterium nuclei produce a great deal of energy when [[Nuclear fusion|fused together]] into helium nuclei. This is the fusion reaction that occurs in the sun and all other stars. Deuterium, along with tritium, is a primary fuel source for [[Covenant]] [[pinch fusion reactor]]s and the [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]]'s [[fusion reactor]]s, including those used to power starships' [[fusion drive]]s.<ref>[[:File:Infinity fud scale.jpg|UNSC ''Infinity'' schematic]]</ref>

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 ships and stations 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>

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