💥Nuclear fission vs Nuclear fusion☀️
Fission and fusion both release nuclear energy, but they work in opposite directions on the nucleus.
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💥Nuclear fission
- ✓Splits a heavy nucleus into smaller ones
- ✓Triggered by neutron bombardment
- ✓Powers current nuclear reactors
- ✓Produces long-lived radioactive waste
- ✓Example: uranium-235 splitting
☀️Nuclear fusion
- ✓Joins light nuclei into a heavier one
- ✓Requires extreme heat and pressure
- ✓Powers the Sun and stars
- ✓Produces far less radioactive waste
- ✓Example: hydrogen fusing into helium
Verdict
Fission splits heavy atoms and runs today's reactors; fusion joins light atoms and powers the stars. Fusion releases more energy per mass but is far harder to sustain on Earth.
Frequently asked
Which powers the Sun?+
Nuclear fusion, joining hydrogen nuclei into helium, powers the Sun and other stars.
Why is fusion hard to achieve?+
It needs extreme temperature and pressure to overcome the repulsion between nuclei.
Which produces more nuclear waste?+
Fission produces long-lived radioactive waste, while fusion produces far less.
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