Question

Differentiate between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion. Give one example for each with nuclear reaction.

Answer 1

Basis	Nuclear Fission	Nuclear Fusion
Definition	Splitting of a heavy nucleus into two or more lighter nuclei.	A combination of two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus.
Nuclei involved	Heavy nuclei like uranium or plutonium are involved.	Light nuclei like hydrogen isotopes are involved.
Energy release	A large amount of energy is released.	An even greater amount of energy is released than in fission.
Conditions required	It occurs at comparatively lower temperatures and can be initiated by neutrons.	It requires extremely high temperature and pressure.
Chain reaction	Nuclear fission can produce a chain reaction, which is used in nuclear reactors.	Nuclear fusion does not occur as a self-sustaining chain reaction in the same way.
By-products	Produces radioactive waste.	Produces very little radioactive waste.

Example of Nuclear Fission:

\[\ce{^235_92U + ^1_0n -> ^141_56Ba + ^92_36Kr + 3^1_0n + Enegry}\]

Example of Nuclear Fusion:

\[\ce{^2_1H + ^3_1H -> ^4_2He + ^1_0n + Energy}\]