Difference Between Nuclear Fission and Nuclear Fusion

The harnessed nuclear energy is released in nuclear reactions. There are two types of nuclear reactions called nuclear fission and nuclear fusion. Nuclear fission and fusion involve the disintegration and combination of the elemental nucleus. In the case of nuclear fission, an atom divides into two or more smaller or lighter atoms. Nuclear fusion occurs when two or more atoms join or fuse together to form a large or heavy atom.

Fusion occurs in the sun where the atoms of(isotopes of hydrogen, Hydrogen-3, and Hydrogen-2 ) Deuterium and Tritium combine in a huge pressure atmosphere with extremely high temperature to produce an output in the form of a neutron and an isotope of Helium. Also, the amount of energy released in fusion is way greater than the energy produced by fission. The difference between nuclear fission and fusion is provided here so that learners can understand the concept more effectively.

Difference Between Nuclear Fission and Nuclear Fusion

The table above would have given you a clear idea about how the two terms nuclear fission and fusion vary from one another.

You may want to read more differences like this by clicking on the links given below:

• Difference Between Chemical Reactions and Nuclear Reactions
• Difference Between Emission and Absorption Spectrum

A nuclear reactor is an apparatus that produces and controls the energy that is released from nuclear fission reactions. The energy released from the controlled nuclear fission reactions is harnessed as heat and is used to produce steam. The steam produced is used to drive the turbines which in turn produce electricity. The video below clearly explains the working of a nuclear reactor.

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