A significant breakthrough has recently occurred in the race to produce clean energy. Scientists at a laboratory in the US were able to create a fusion reaction that produced more energy *than was required to make it. Experts around the world agree that this incredible development proves that fusion power can one day be a practical energy option.（*此處的than為準關係代名詞，等同於than the energy which/that。）
“Fusion power” is a type of nuclear energy source like “fission power,” which is currently a common source of energy across the globe. While fission power involves splitting a large atom to produce energy, fusion power creates energy by combining smaller atoms together. It makes energy the same way the Sun and stars do.
One important thing to note is that fusion power doesn’t create harmful long-term radioactive waste and is unlikely to cause dangerous power plant meltdowns like fission power. That’s why fusion power has been described as the “holy grail” of sustainable energy.
Photo courtesy of National Cheng Kung University 照片：成功大學提供
Despite this critical development, there are still many obstacles to get over before fusion power becomes a reality. For one thing, the energy produced in the above-mentioned experiment was just enough to boil a few water kettles. It is incredibly difficult to sustain a fusion reaction. Temperatures need to be higher than the Sun’s center, and the pressure should also be greater than the Earth’s atmosphere before atoms will merge, not to mention the costs of building and maintaining all the highly-technical equipment. Still, many in the scientific community are optimistic about what the future of fusion power holds.
最近，在製造乾淨能源的競賽中有一項重大突破出現了。美國一間實驗室的科學家得以製造出核融合反應，其產生的能量比要製造出該反應所需的能量還多。全世界的專家皆贊同，這令人難以置信的發展證明了核融合能源有朝一日會是能實際運用的能源選擇。
「核融合能源」跟「核分裂能源」一樣是一種核能源，核分裂能源是一種目前在全世界很常見的能量來源。核分裂能源需要分裂一個大原子來產生能源，核融合能源則是藉由結合較小的原子來產生能源。其製造能源的方式跟太陽和恆星一樣。
有一件值得注意的重要事情是，核融合能源不會產生有害的長期放射性廢棄物，也不太可能像核分裂能源一樣造成危險的核電廠熔毀。那就是為什麼核融合能源被形容為永續能源的「聖杯」。
儘管有了這項關鍵性的發展，在核融合能源成真以前，還是有許多障礙要克服。首先，在上述實驗中所產生的能源只夠用來煮幾壺水。要維持核融合反應極度困難。在原子融合之前，溫度須高於太陽中心的溫度，而壓力也應該要比地球大氣還大，更別提建造和維護所有高技術性設備的花費。然而，科學界很多人還是對於核融合能源未來的發展樂觀以待。
What Did You Learn?
1. What can we learn about the experiment that realized fusion power?
(A) It was not recognized by the scientific field.
(B) It tried to split apart two atoms to produce energy.
(C) It has achieved something that has never happened before.
(D) It produced energy that can be put into commercial use soon.
2. Why is fusion power considered a better option than fission power?
(A) Fission power is more difficult to generate.
(B) Fusion power is less likely to cause a power plant disaster.
(C) Fission power plants need more energy to operate properly.
(D) Fusion power requires a lot less energy to produce than fission power.
答案
1. (C) 2. (B)
Word in Use
1. breakthrough n. 突破
Dr Wu made a breakthrough when he found an effective treatment for the rare disease.
吳博士有了突破，他找到該罕見疾病的有效治療方式。
2. laboratory n. 實驗室（簡稱lab）
The researchers have been working in their laboratory for days.
那群研究人員已經在他們的實驗室裡工作好幾天了。
3. option n. 選擇
To visit all the places in Kenting, the best option is to rent a scooter.
要造訪墾丁所有的地方，最佳選擇是租機車。
4. split vt. 使分開／裂開（三態同形）
On the day of the school trip, the entire class will be split into five groups.
校外教學那天，全班的人會被分成五組。
5. long-term a. 長期的
Long-term memory can store unlimited amounts of information.
長期記憶可以儲存無限量的資訊。
Practical Phrases
1. describe A as B 將A形容／描繪為B
Critics described the latest sci-fi movie as a masterpiece.
評論家將那部最新的科幻電影形容為傑作。
2. get over. . . 克服……
Helen hasn’t gotten over her fear of heights even though she sometimes has to fly for work.
即使海倫有時因工作要搭飛機，她還是沒有克服懼高。
3. For one thing, S + V 首先／一方面……
You should think twice before you accept the job. For one thing, the pay is not ideal. For another, the commute is long.
你在接受那份工作前最好再想想。一方面，薪水不是很理想。另一方面，通勤時間很長。
聽文章朗讀及講解: https://ivy.pse.is/455bfu
本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
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