Explain the difference between nuclear fission and
nuclear fusion.
Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion are both nuclear reactions that involve the splitting or combining of atomic nuclei to release energy.
Nuclear fission is the process of splitting the nucleus of an atom into two smaller nuclei, along with the release of a large amount of energy. This process is typically initiated by bombarding the nucleus with a neutron, causing it to become unstable and split into two smaller nuclei, along with several additional neutrons. These additional neutrons can then go on to initiate further fission reactions in a chain reaction. Nuclear fission is the process that powers nuclear reactors and atomic bombs.
On the other hand, nuclear fusion is the process of combining two smaller atomic nuclei to form a larger nucleus, along with the release of a large amount of energy. This process is typically achieved by heating hydrogen isotopes to extremely high temperatures and pressures, such as in the core of a star. Nuclear fusion is the process that powers the sun and other stars, and researchers are working to develop practical fusion reactors as a potentially abundant and clean source of energy.
In summary, nuclear fission involves the splitting of atomic nuclei, while nuclear fusion involves the combining of atomic nuclei. Both processes release large amounts of energy, but they have different applications and challenges associated with harnessing them for practical use.