Nuclear Fission and Fusion Notes

Nuclear Fission

• A large nucleus is bombarded with a small particle, causing it to split into smaller pieces and neutrons.
• Large amounts of energy are released during this process (atomic energy).
• Example: Fission of uranium using a neutron: neutron + uranium \rightarrow krypton + barium + 3 \ neutrons + energy
• The released neutrons can initiate further fission reactions, leading to a chain reaction.
• Critical mass is required to sustain the chain reaction.

Nuclear Fusion

• Two small nuclei fuse into one at very high temperatures (100,000,000 degrees Celsius) and pressures.
• Releases a tremendous amount of energy; occurs in stars.
• Little to no nuclear waste is produced.
• Example: Two isotopes of hydrogen fuse into helium with heat and pressure.
• Process: Hydrogen + Hydrogen + Heat + Pressure \rightarrow Helium + More Heat + More Pressure

Key Differences

• Fission: Splitting a large nucleus.
• Fusion: Fusing two small nuclei.