Fission vs Fusion

Front

Where does nuclear fusion occur naturally?

Back

On the sun

Front

What process do nuclear power plants primarily use to generate energy?

Back

Fission

Front

What are isotopes?

Back

Isotopes are variants of a particular chemical element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Front

What is the process called when two nuclei with low masses combine to form one nucleus of larger mass?

Back

Nuclear fusion

Front

What charge do alpha particles have?

Back

+2

Front

What is the primary difference between fission and fusion?

Back

Fission is the splitting of a heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei, while fusion is the combining of light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus.

Front

What is released during nuclear fission?

Back

A large amount of energy, along with neutrons and smaller nuclei.

Front

What conditions are necessary for nuclear fusion to occur?

Back

High temperature and high pressure.

Front

What is the main fuel for nuclear fusion in stars?

Back

Hydrogen isotopes, primarily deuterium and tritium.

Front

What is a common application of nuclear fission?

Back

Nuclear power generation and atomic bombs.