Question

Which of the two, nuclear fusion or nuclear fission, is employed in a nuclear reactor?

Answer 1

Step 1: Nuclear fission

The reaction in which the parent nucleus splits into two daughter nuclei is known as nuclear fission.

Step 2: Nuclear fusion

The reaction in which the smaller nuclei fuse together to form a bigger nucleus is known as nuclear fusion.

Step 3: Nuclear reactor

A nuclear reactor is a device that allows controlled nuclear fission of uranium-235 or other fissionable fuels.

Step 4: Reaction inside the reactor

From the stated definition, it can be understood that nuclear fission is employed in a nuclear reactor.