OVERVIEW OF NUCLEAR ENERGY:FISSION AND FUSION

SCIENCE 8TH GRADE

Nuclear energy

Energy that is stored in the nucleus of an atom due to the strong forces that hold the nucleus together.

Fission

A method of nuclear energy release where the nucleus of a heavy element is broken into smaller nuclei of lighter elements.

Fusion

A method of nuclear energy release where small nuclei join together to form larger nuclei and release energy.

How Nuclear Fusion Works

Fusion occurs when small nuclei join together to form larger nuclei and release energy.

Reaction

The process that occurs when fusion happens.

Heavier atoms

Atoms that are created as a result of the fusion process.

Facts about Fusion

Fusion occurs naturally in stars and hydrogen bombs.

Man made fusion

Fusion that occurs in controlled environments, such as experimental reactors.

Energy

Fusion produces more energy than fission.

Temperature requirement for Fusion

Fusion requires a huge amount of heat, close to 20 million °F.

Pollution

A benefit of fusion is that it does not produce radioactive waste or CO2.

How Nuclear Fission Works

Fission occurs when the nucleus of a heavy element is broken into smaller nuclei of lighter elements by adding neutrons.

Elements Used for Fission

Fission requires heavy nucleus elements like uranium, plutonium, and thorium.

Radioactive waste

A byproduct of fission that is buried in storage tanks until it decays into a stable substance.

Pros of Fission

Fission has pollution control and no CO2 production.

Pros of Fusion

Fusion produces much more energy than fission and has no radioactive waste.

Cons of Fission

Fission creates radioactive waste and has possible risks of nuclear accidents.

Cons of Fusion

Fusion is not renewable and lacks infrastructure to efficiently produce electricity.

Nuclear Power Plants

Nuclear fission reactions use Uranium-235 to create electricity.

Control Rods

Elements that absorb neutrons to control the fission reaction.

Turbine

The device that spins due to steam released from the fission reaction.

Generator

The machine that converts mechanical energy of the turbine into electrical energy.

Steam cooling

The process where steam condenses back to water, which is recycled through the power plant.