Nuclear Fission vs Fusion

Fission

When one atom’s nucleus splits apart

Fusion

When 2+ atoms’ nuclei come together to form one atom

Transmutation

Forming a different element (fission & fusion)

Requires extremely high temperature

Fusion

In fusion & fission, some of the mass is converted to _________, so what is produced has less ______ than the original atom.

energy, mass

Chain Reactions

When released neutrons bombard more atoms, continuing the process

Emits large amounts of _________

Fission & Fusion

Intentionally caused

Fission

Heavy atoms (mass number > ___) break into smaller atoms thereby increasing the __________.

60, stability

No toxic waste?

Fusion

Therman Pollution?

Fission

Danger of meltdown?

Fission

1 g of ²³⁵U = 3 tons of coal

Fission

1 g of fusion fuel = 20 tons of coal

Fusion

Occurs in stars?

Fusion

Power plants, nuclear weapons, atomic bombs, ships?

Fission

no danger of meltdown?

Fusion

not yet sustainable?

Fusion

fuel is abundant?

fusion

²³⁵U is limited?

Fission

__s² __d⁴ —>

__s¹ __d⁵

__s² __d⁹ —>

__s¹ __d¹⁰