Fusion and Fission

 

Nuclear reactions have had an extraordinary influence on history as well as the progression of science. Nuclear reactions have been harnessed both to obliterate, in the form of atomic bombs, and create, in the form of nuclear reactors producing energy.

There are two types you need to be aware of: Fission and Fusion.

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Fission Reactions

Fission reactions can be very devastating as they act as a chain reaction.

They begin with a neutron being fired into the nucleus of an unstable radioactive isotope. This causes the nucleus to break and divide into smaller nuclei, while releasing more neutrons and a significant amount of energy. The neutrons released in this reaction then go on to break and divide more unstable radioactive isotopes, and the process repeats.

This is the reaction harnessed by nuclear bombs, as they can cause large-scale destruction by causing chain reactions.

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Fusion Reactions

Fusion reactions occur when two small nuclei are fused together, which produces a significant amount of energy. This is the reaction that occurs within the sun and stars, and creates the light and heat energy within the sun.

Fusion reactions become so hot that plasma is created. As plasma is very hot, it is extremely hard to contain. The issue of containing fusion reactions is the largest hurdle we have on the way to harnessing nuclear fusion for energy production.

Key Points!

  • Fission

    Fission reactions are chain reactions, where a neutron collides with a large atom nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy and causing the nucleus to split into smaller atoms. More neutrons are released, causing more collisions with large nuclei.

    This is the reaction harnessed in nuclear bombs.

  • Fusion

    Fusion reactions occur when two small nuclei combine and fuse together to form a larger nucleus. This causes a large release of energy.

    This is the reaction that creates the energy within the Sun.

Any Questions?