Nuclear Fusion vs.

Nuclear Fission
Notes (3/30/17)
 Nuclear Fission

A neutron hits the nucleus of a large radioactive element. The

added neutron makes the atom unstable and it splits into two
smaller atoms. Neutrons are also released during this
reaction.
Source of energy in the core of the Earth that produces heat
from the decay of radioactive elements.
 Nuclear Fission

Produces vast quantities of energy.

Does not produce particulate air pollution like fossil fuels.
Involves splitting of harmful radioactive elements.
 Nuclear Fission

Loss of control leads to harmful radioactive exposure.

Produces a radioactive waste product that will need to be
stored.
 Nuclear Fusion

Atoms collide and fuse to make heavier elements, this

produces large amounts of energy.
Source of energy in the Sun and stars that produces heat
from the fusing of elements like hydrogen.
 Nuclear Fusion

Produces unsurpassed quantities of energy.

Does not produce particulate air pollution like fossil fuels.
 Nuclear Fusion

Does not produce a radioactive waste that will need to be

stored.
Currently we lack the technology to maintain reactions as a
viable energy source.
 Fission Fusion
Definition The action of dividing or The process or result of
splitting something into joining two or more things
two or more parts. together to form a single
entity.
Natural occurrence of Occurs in Earths core. Occurs in a star.
the Process
Byproducts of the Radioactive waste Heavier elements
reactants
Conditions A neutron must hit an Two nuclei must be brought
atom for that atom to be close so that nuclear
split into two atoms. forces fuse the atoms into
one atom.
Energy Requirements Requires unstable, High temperature and
radioactive elements. pressure applied to two
light nuclei.
Energy Released Nuclear fission releases Nuclear fusion releases
binding energy.
Nuclear Weapon Atomic Bomb Hydrogen Bomb
Energy Production Creates vast amounts of Creates several times more
energy. energy than nuclear