
The debate of which is better – fusion or fission – has been ongoing for many years, with proponents of both sides arguing vehemently for their respective technologies. Fission, on the other hand, is easier to control but produces more radioactive waste. Fusion is cleaner and more efficient than fission, but it is also more difficult to control. This also releases energy, but it’s not as powerful as fusion.īoth fusion and fission can be used to generate electricity, but they have different advantages and disadvantages. Fission, on the other hand, happens when an atom’s nucleus splits into smaller pieces. This process releases energy and can be used to power things like nuclear reactors and bombs. Fusion occurs when the nuclei of two atoms join together to form a single, heavier nucleus. The primary difference between fusion and fission is that fusion is the process of combining two atoms into one, while fission is the process of splitting an atom into smaller parts. The difference between fusion and fission The steam turns turbines, which generate electricity. The resulting fission reaction produces heat, which is used to generate steam. This makes the nuclei unstable, causing them to split apart. In these reactors, atoms of uranium or plutonium are bombarded with neutrons. This process releases a large amount of energy, in the form of heat and light.įission reactions are used to generate electricity in nuclear power plants. When conditions are right, the nucleus of an atom can split into smaller nuclei. The fission of one uranium atom can release as much energy as the combustion of 16,000 tons of coal.įission reactions usually take place under high temperatures and pressures, such as those found in stars or nuclear reactors. What is fission?įission is a nuclear reaction in which an atom splits into two or more smaller atoms. Two approaches are currently being developed: magnetic confinement and inertial confinement. Here on Earth, we are working on ways to harness fusion power for peaceful purposes. In stars, including our sun, gravitational forces produce these high temperatures and pressures. The mass difference is released as energy according to Einstein’s famous equation, E=mc2.įusion reactions can only occur at extremely high temperatures-so high that conventional explosives cannot provide enough energy to start the reaction. For example, when two hydrogen atoms fuse to form helium, the mass of the resulting helium atom is less than the sum of the masses of the two hydrogen atoms.

The products of fusion reactions are generally heavier than the reactants.

The process releases energy and is responsible for the power of the sun and other stars. In nuclear physics, fusion is the process by which two or more atomic nuclei join together to form one or more larger nuclei.įusion is a thermonuclear reaction in which two lighter atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. Frequently asked questions about fusion and fission.Which is more powerful fission or fusion?.The difference between fusion and fission.
