How is fusion different from a simple chemical reaction?
• The nuclei combine in a fusion reaction.
• Energy is released in a fusion reaction, but it is absorbed in a chemical reaction.
• The atoms are bound to each other by electrons in a fusion reaction.
• Atoms come together in a chemical reaction, but they are split in a fusion reaction.
All of the statements are true, but the main differences between fusion and a simple chemical reaction can be summarized as follows:
1. Nuclei combine in fusion: Fusion involves the combining of two atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus. This is different from a chemical reaction where atoms come together to form molecules through the rearrangement of electrons.
2. Energy release in fusion: Fusion reactions release a significant amount of energy, which is the result of the conversion of mass into energy, as described by Einstein's famous equation E=mc². On the other hand, in a chemical reaction, energy is typically either absorbed or released, but the amounts are much lower compared to fusion reactions.
3. Binding by electrons in fusion: Fusion reactions involve the fusion of atomic nuclei that are held together primarily by the strong nuclear force. In contrast, chemical reactions primarily involve the rearrangement of electrons in the outermost electron shells of atoms to form chemical bonds between atoms.
4. Splitting of atoms in fusion: Fusion reactions often involve the fusion of very light atomic nuclei, such as hydrogen isotopes, to form heavier elements. In this process, no atoms are split. On the other hand, in some nuclear reactions, such as fission, heavy atomic nuclei are split into smaller fragments.