Question

Give two differences between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.

Hint:

Think of the words: Fission sounds like "fissure" (a split). Fusion sounds like "fuse" (to join together). This can help you remember the basic definition of each process.

Answer 1

Here are two key differences between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion:
1. Nature of the Process:
- Nuclear Fission: It is the process where a single heavy, unstable nucleus (like Uranium-235) splits into two or more smaller, lighter nuclei.
- Nuclear Fusion: It is the process where two or more very light nuclei (like hydrogen isotopes) combine or 'fuse' together to form a single, heavier nucleus.
2. Conditions Required:
- Nuclear Fission: This process can occur at normal temperatures and pressures. It can be initiated by bombarding a heavy nucleus with a slow-moving neutron, leading to a chain reaction.
- Nuclear Fusion: This process requires extremely high temperatures (of the order of \(10^7\) K) and immense pressure to overcome the strong electrostatic repulsion between the positively charged nuclei and force them to fuse.