Nuclear fusion is a nuclear phenomenon or reaction where two or more light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus with the release of a large amount of energyEnergy is the ability to do work. Energy exists in several forms such as heat, kinetic or mechanical energy, light, potential energy, and electrical energy. Units of Energy: The SI unit... More. E.g.
\( \scriptsize _{1} ^{2} \textrm {H} \; \rightarrow \; _{2} ^{4} \textrm {He} \; + \; _{0} ^{1} \textrm {n} \; + \; energy \)Nuclear Fission
This is the breaking up of the nucleus of a heavy atom or element into nearly two equal parts with the release of large amounts of energy. e.g.
\( \scriptsize _{92} ^{235} \textrm {U}\; + \; _{0} ^{1} \textrm {n} \; \rightarrow \; _{56} ^{141} \textrm {Ba} \; + \; _{36} ^{92} \textrm {Kr} \; + \; _{0} ^{1} \textrm {n} + energy \)The total mass of the product is always less than the original mass of uranium as a result of mass defect
Chain Reaction
When the nucleus of uranium is bombarded with a neutron, it split into two nearly equal parts with the release of large amount of energy. When neutrons are not controlled, further bombardment of uranium nuclei can take place and cause chain reactions
The chain reaction can continue as long as any uranium fuel remains and large amount of energy is produced
Advantages of Fusion over Fission
- The raw material for fusion is cheap and readily available than that of fission
- Fusion process is less dangerous compared to that of fission
- By-product are non-radioactive
Responses