What is nuclear fusion and how does it compare to fission?

What is fusion and where does it happen?

When nuclei of certain isotopes combine they produce: 2 protons, energy, and a nucleus of greater mass

Happens in the sun and stars, needs to reach 40 million degrees Celsius to achieve fusion

How is fusion different from fission?

Fusion: the combining of two smaller nuclei to produce one bigger nuclei

Fission: occurs when one nucleus of an isotope splits into smaller fragments/nuclei

How is a nuclear reaction different from a chemical reaction?

Nuclear reactions:

  • has to do with nucleus

  • releases large amounts of energy

  • radioactive

Chemical Reactions:

  • are reversible

  • breaks chemical bonds

What are the benefits and drawbacks to fusion reactions?

  • nuclear fusion produces little to none radioactive waves(benefit)

  • nuclear fusion produces more energy(benefit)

  • nuclear fusion is not long-term(drawback)

  • fusion is not currently used for energy, too hard to control(drawback)