Introduction
Fission and fusion reactions are different kinds of chain reactions where energy is released due to the presence of powerful hydrogen bonds between the particles found inside a nucleus. The result of these reactions are a number of multiple reactions occurring quickly and are uncontrollable. This kind of reactions can lead to the splitting up of heavy isotopes such as Uranium-235 or even combining of light isotopes such as Hydrogen-3 and Hydrogen-2.
Fission reactions occur when the neutrons get bombarded with unstable isotopes. This kind of reactions is very difficult to control. But the initial conditions are relatively simpler to achieve. In a fission reaction, an atom splits into 2 or more lighter and smaller atoms. Many highly radioactive particles are produced during a fission reaction.
A fusion reaction occurs when two or more lighter, smaller atoms fuse together creating a heavier and larger atom. High temperature and a high-density environment are required for a fusion reaction. Extremely high energy is required to achieve this reaction. But the energy released in this reaction is 3 to 4 times greater than the energy released in a fission reaction.
Differences between Fission and Fusion
Fission Reaction |
Fusion Reaction |
| A fission reaction is splitting up of a large atom or a molecule into two or more smaller ones. | Fusion is the process of combination of two or more lighter atoms or molecules into larger ones. |
| Fission reaction doesn’t occur normally in nature. | Fusion reaction process occurs in the stars, like in the sun, etc. |
| This reaction produces highly radioactive substances. | Few number of radioactive particles are developed by the process of a fusion reaction. |
| Neutrons must be slowed down by moderation to increase their capture probability in fission reactors. | This process requires high-temperature, high-density environment. |
| This process consumes a very little amount of energy to break up the atoms. | High amount of energy is consumed to combine protons so that the nuclear forces can overcome the electrostatic repulsion. |
| The energy released during the process of fission is much larger than that of the released energy in other chemical reactions. | The energy released by the process of fusion is around 3-4 times much greater than that of the energy liberated by the process of fission. |
| Fission process is utilized in the nuclear power plant. | Fusion process is one of the experimental technologies for the production of power. |
| Uranium is one of the primary fuels used for the process of fission in power plants. | The isotopes of hydrogen such as the Deuterium & Tritium are some of the primary fuels used in the experimental process of fusion power plants. |
| A fission bomb is one kind of nuclear weapon which is also known as atom bomb or an atomic bomb. | A hydrogen bomb is one class of fusion bomb. |
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What is nuclear fission?
What are the types of nuclear reactions?
Nuclear Fission
Nuclear Fusion
Nuclear Decay
Transmutation
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