Fission vs Fusion

Front

What is nuclear fission?

Back

Nuclear fission is a nuclear reaction in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei, along with the release of energy.

Front

What is nuclear fusion?

Back

Nuclear fusion is a nuclear reaction in which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy in the process.

Front

How do nuclear power plants generate energy?

Back

Nuclear power plants generate energy through the process of fission, where the splitting of atomic nuclei releases heat, which is used to produce steam that drives turbines.

Front

What is a chain reaction in nuclear fission?

Back

A chain reaction in nuclear fission occurs when the neutrons released from one fission event cause additional fission events in nearby nuclei, leading to a self-sustaining series of reactions.

Front

What are the products of nuclear fission?

Back

The products of nuclear fission include several smaller nuclei (fission fragments), neutrons, and a large amount of energy.

Front

What is the difference between fission and fusion?

Back

Fission involves the splitting of heavy atomic nuclei, while fusion involves the combining of light atomic nuclei.

Front

What is half-life in nuclear reactions?

Back

Half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive nuclei in a sample to decay.

Front

What is the role of neutrons in a fission reaction?

Back

Neutrons play a crucial role in fission reactions by initiating the splitting of atomic nuclei and sustaining the chain reaction.

Front

What is the significance of mass loss in fusion?

Back

In fusion, the mass of the resulting nucleus is less than the total mass of the original nuclei, and this mass loss is converted into energy according to Einstein's equation E=mc².

Front

What type of reaction is illustrated in a typical nuclear power plant?

Back

A typical nuclear power plant illustrates a fission reaction.