Nuclear Fission and Fusion

• Nuclear fission


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


  1. Nucleus absorbs a neutron

  2. Nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei

  3. Emits 2-3 neutrons

  4. Releases energy
• Neutrons emitted in nuclear fission

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


  A huge number of uranium nuclei undergo fission in a very short time, releasing enormous 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