1 April 2017

Difference between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion

Nuclear energy is released by nuclear reactions one is called nuclear fission and another is nuclear fusion. They both involve the disintegration and combination of the elemental nucleus. An atom divides into two or more smaller or lighter atoms is called nuclear fission. Nuclear fusion occurs when two or more atoms join or fuse together to form a large or heavy atom. 

Let us have a deep insight into the comparison between nuclear fission and fusion.

Nuclear fission :
  • It is a process of breaking a heavy nucleus with some projectiles into two or more light fragments, with the liberation of a large amount of energy.
  • A huge amount of energy required to combine small atoms.
  • In this process the emission of radioactive rays possible.
  • This process takes place spontaneously at an ordinary temperature.
  • The mass number and an atomic number of the daughter elements are considerably lower than that of the parent nucleus.
  • This process gives rise to chain-reaction.
  • During nuclear fission, neutrons are emitted.
  • Nuclear fission can be performed under controlled conditions.
  • Fission is used in nuclear power plants.
  • Uranium is used as a fuel in power plants.
  • Example - Atomic bomb
  • Never occurs in natural source in normal cases. 

Nuclear fusion :

  • It is a process of fusing two light nuclei into a single nucleus, with the liberation of a large amount of energy.
  • Require less energy to divide the atom.
  • Does not emit any kind of radioactive rays.
  • This process takes place at a very high temperature ( nearly at about >100000 K ).
  • The mass number and an atomic number of the product is higher than the starting elements.
  • This process does not give rise to chain-reaction.
  • During nuclear fusion, positrons are emitted.
  • Nuclear fusion cannot be performed under controlled conditions.
  • Fusion is an experimental technology for producing power.
  • Hydrogen isotopes such as Deuterium and Tritium are the primary fuel used in experimental fusion power plants.
  • Example - the Hydrogen bomb
  • Happens in a natural source like stars and sun.