difference between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion with example
Nuclear Fission
-
Definition: Nuclear fission is a nuclear reaction in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei, along with the release of a significant amount of energy.
-
Process: In nuclear fission, a heavy nucleus, such as that of uranium-235 (U-235) or plutonium-239 (Pu-239), absorbs a neutron and becomes unstable. The nucleus then undergoes a process of splitting into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing additional neutrons and a substantial amount of energy in the form of heat.
-
Energy Source: Nuclear fission is the process that powers nuclear reactors and atomic bombs. In nuclear power plants, controlled fission reactions are used to generate heat, which is then converted into electricity.
-
Example: In a nuclear power plant, U-235 nuclei are bombarded with neutrons. When a U-235 nucleus absorbs a neutron, it becomes U-236, which is highly unstable and quickly splits into smaller nuclei, such as krypton-92 and barium-141, along with the release of energy and additional neutrons.
Nuclear Fusion
-
Definition: Nuclear fusion is a nuclear reaction in which two or more light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, accompanied by the release of a significant amount of energy.
-
Process: In nuclear fusion, typically at extremely high temperatures and pressures, light nuclei, such as isotopes of hydrogen (e.g., deuterium and tritium), come together to form a heavier nucleus. This process results in the release of energy and the formation of a new element.
-
Energy Source: Nuclear fusion is the process that powers the sun and other stars. Scientists are also working on controlled nuclear fusion as a potential future energy source on Earth. Achieving controlled nuclear fusion on Earth could provide a nearly limitless and clean source of energy.
-
Example: In the sun, the primary fusion process involves the combination of hydrogen nuclei (protons) to form helium nuclei. Four hydrogen nuclei (protons) come together to produce a helium nucleus (two protons and two neutrons), releasing a tremendous amount of energy in the form of light and heat.
Key Differences
-
Reaction Type: Fission involves the splitting of heavy nuclei into smaller ones, while fusion involves the combining of light nuclei to form a heavier one.
-
Energy Release: Both fission and fusion release a significant amount of energy, but fusion releases even more energy per unit mass than fission.
-
Fuel: Fission typically uses heavy nuclei like uranium or plutonium as fuel, while fusion uses light nuclei like isotopes of hydrogen.
-
Applications: Fission is currently used in nuclear reactors for power generation and in atomic bombs, while controlled fusion is still under development for potential future energy production.
-
Waste: Fission produces radioactive waste that needs to be managed and stored, while fusion would produce minimal long-lived radioactive waste if successfully harnessed for energy production.