Examples of nuclear
Fission
Fusion
Artificial transmutation
- Fission: The splitting of an atomic nucleus into two or more smaller nuclei, along with the release of energy. An example of nuclear fission is the process that occurs in nuclear power plants to generate electricity.
- Fusion: The combining of two light atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy in the process. Fusion is the process that powers the sun and other stars.
- Artificial transmutation: The process of changing one element into another through nuclear reactions. An example of artificial transmutation is the production of transuranium elements in a particle accelerator.