Fission vs Fusion

Front

What is nuclear fission?

Back

Nuclear fission is the process of splitting a large atomic nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing a significant amount of energy.

Front

What is nuclear fusion?

Back

Nuclear fusion is the process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.

Front

How do nuclear power plants generate energy?

Back

Nuclear power plants generate energy through the process of fission, where the nuclei of atoms are split to release energy.

Front

What is a chain reaction in nuclear fission?

Back

A chain reaction occurs when the neutrons released from a fission reaction cause additional fission events in nearby nuclei.

Front

What is the strong nuclear force?

Back

The strong nuclear force is the fundamental force that holds protons and neutrons together in the nucleus of an atom.

Front

What is half-life?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference in energy production between fission and fusion?

Back

Fusion produces more energy than fission.

Front

What is gamma radiation?

Back

Gamma radiation is a type of high-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted during radioactive decay.

Front

What are the products of nuclear fission?

Back

The products of nuclear fission include smaller nuclei (fission fragments), 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.