Fission and Fusion
Fission and fusion are two nuclear processes that release energy. Fission occurs when a heavy nucleus, like uranium, splits into smaller nuclei, releasing energy and more neutrons. This is the principle behind nuclear reactors and atomic bombs. Fusion, on the other hand, happens when light nuclei, such as hydrogen isotopes, combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing even more energy. Fusion is the process that powers the sun and other stars. Both processes are significant in nuclear science and energy production, but they operate on different principles and conditions.
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Fission and fusion are two types of nuclear reactions that release energy. Fission occurs when a heavy atomic nucleus, such as uranium, splits into smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy used in nuclear power plants and atomic bombs. Fusion, on the other hand, happens when light atomic nuclei, like hydrogen, combine to form a heavier nucleus, producing even more energy, as seen in stars, including our sun. While fission is used for power generation, fusion has the potential for cleaner energy sources, but it is still a challenge to harness for practical use on Earth.