Fission and Fusion

Front

What is nuclear fission?

Back

Nuclear fission is the process of splitting a heavy atomic nucleus into two or more lighter nuclei, releasing a significant amount of energy.

Front

What is nuclear fusion?

Back

Nuclear fusion is the process of combining two light atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy in the process.

Front

Which process is more powerful, fission or fusion?

Back

Fusion is more powerful than fission.

Front

What is a chain reaction in nuclear fission?

Back

A chain reaction is a series of reactions where the products of one reaction initiate further reactions, leading to a rapid release of energy.

Front

What is half-life?

Back

Half-life is the amount of time it takes for half of the nuclei in a sample of a radioactive isotope to decay.

Front

How do nuclear power plants generate energy?

Back

Nuclear power plants generate energy primarily through the process of fission.

Front

What is the main fuel used in nuclear fission?

Back

The main fuel used in nuclear fission is uranium-235.

Front

What is the difference between fission and fusion?

Back

Fission involves splitting heavy nuclei, while fusion involves combining light nuclei.

Front

What are the byproducts of nuclear fission?

Back

The byproducts of nuclear fission include lighter nuclei, neutrons, and a large amount of energy.

Front

What conditions are necessary for nuclear fusion to occur?

Back

Nuclear fusion requires extremely high temperatures and pressures to overcome the repulsive forces between nuclei.