Clear Description On Nuclear Fission And Nuclear Fusion

The disintegration and fusing of the elemental nucleus are involved in nuclear fission and fusion. Nuclear fission occurs when an atom splits into two or smaller or lighter atoms. When two or more atoms unite or fuse to develop a larger or heavier atom, this is known as nuclear fusion.

Nuclear Fission

Nuclear fission is the splitting of a massive atomic nucleus, including such uranium or plutonium, into two approximate equal mass constituents. A large amount of energy is liberated as a consequence of the process. The process releases a considerable quantity of energy as the average nucleon interaction energy as a percentage of mass number.

The nucleus of an atom splits into two separate nuclei which are smaller during nuclear fission. Electromagnetic radiation in the form of gamma rays or nucleus excitation by several particles (e.g., neutrons, protons, deuterons, or alpha particles) may allow the process to occur unexpectedly in some instances.

A considerable amount of energy is generated, radioactive elements are created, and numerous neutrons are discharged during the fission process. These neutrons can cause fission in a neighboring fissionable nucleus, releasing further neutrons to keep the process going. This causes a chain reaction in which a substantial majority of nuclei fission and a significant amount of energy is liberated. A chain of events like this can offer power to civilization if accepted in the case of a nuclear reactor. If left unchecked, it can result in a massive, destructive explosion, as in the case of the atomic bomb.

The finding of nuclear fission ushered in a new era known as the “Atomic Age.” The potential for positive or negative nuclear fission, as well as the vulnerability or benefit proportion of its claims, has inspired not just many socio-cultural, economic, financial, and technological successes, but also grave concerns. Nuclear fission caused various puzzles and difficulties, even from a purely scientific basis, with no comprehensive theoretical justification in view. 

Nuclear Fusion

A heavy atomic nucleus, such as uranium or plutonium, is divided into two roughly equal-mass fragments. A tremendous amount of energy is liberated as a result of the process.

Nuclear fusion is a reaction that occurs when two or more lightweight nuclei combine to generate a heavyweight nucleus. The energy produced during nuclear fusion is several times more than the amount of energy generated during nuclear fusion. Stars and the sun undergo fusion processes. In a fusion reaction, a lot of energy is required to fuse two or more atoms collectively. The hydrogen bomb operates on the same principles as a nuclear fusion weapon. 

Difference Between Fission And Fusion Reaction

• Nuclear fission occurs when the nucleus of an atom breaks into lighter nuclei. Nuclear fusion, on the other hand, occurs when two or even more nuclei fuse to form a heavy-weight nucleus.
• Nuclear fusion necessitates a high temperature and density, whereas fission just necessitates elevated neutrons and a massive mass number.
• Nuclear fusion is used in hydrogen bombs, whereas nuclear fission is used in nuclear bombs.
• The quantity of energy produced in a nuclear fusion event is significantly more than that released in a nuclear fission reaction.
• The fusion reaction happens in nature, such as in our sun, while fission does not.

Conclusion

Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion are the two types of nuclear processes. The disintegration and fusing of the elemental nucleus are involved in nuclear fission and fusion. Nuclear fission occurs when an atom splits into multiple smaller or lighter atoms. When two or more atoms unite or fuse to make a huge or heavier atom, this is known as nuclear fusion.