nuclear fission and nuclear fusion (triple)

• Nuclear fission


  The nucleus of large, unstable elements like uranium and plutonium split
• Nuclear fission


  1. Nucleus absorbs neutron

  2. Nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei

  3. Emits 2-3 neutrons

  4. Releases energy
• Neutrons emitted in fission

  Can be absorbed by more uranium nuclei, triggering further fission
• Chain reaction


  The repeated triggering of fission by neutrons emitted from previous fission reactions, leading to a large release of energy
• Nuclear reactors


  Use controlled fission chain reactions to generate electricity
• Nuclear weapons


  Use uncontrolled fission chain reactions to cause explosions
• Nuclear fusion


  Two light nuclei, like hydrogen, join to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy
• Nuclear fusion is the process that releases energy in stars like the Sun
• Nuclear fusion is not a chain reaction, unlike nuclear fission