Grade 12 Chemistry

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What is the difference between nuclear fusion and nuclear fission?

Nuclear fusion and nuclear fission are two different processes that involve the manipulation of atomic nuclei. In nuclear fusion, two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a tremendous amount of energy in the process. This occurs under extreme conditions of high temperature and pressure, such as those found in the core of stars. On the other hand, nuclear fission involves the splitting of a heavy atomic nucleus into two or more lighter nuclei, accompanied by the release of energy. This is typically achieved by bombarding the nucleus with neutrons. While both processes release energy, fusion tends to occur at much higher temperatures and creates a greater amount of energy compared to fission.

Nuclear fusion and nuclear fission are both processes that involve the release of energy from an atom's nucleus, but they differ in several key ways. Nuclear fusion occurs when two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing huge amounts of energy in the process. This is the process that powers the sun and other stars. In contrast, nuclear fission occurs when a heavy atomic nucleus, such as uranium-235, splits into smaller fragments upon absorbing a neutron. Fission also releases a significant amount of energy and is the process used in nuclear power plants and atomic bombs. The key difference lies in the reactions: fusion combines nuclei, while fission divides them.

Nuclear fusion and nuclear fission are both processes that involve the manipulation of atoms' nuclei. The key difference between the two lies in the reactions that occur. Nuclear fusion involves the merging of two atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a significant amount of energy in the process. On the other hand, nuclear fission is the splitting of a heavy atomic nucleus into two or more smaller nuclei, accompanied by the release of energy. In fusion, the releasing energy comes from the conversion of mass into energy, while in fission, the energy release is due to the breaking apart of the nucleus.