...Beauty, cleaning, DIY tips and more - free to join!
   Login   Contact us   Site map   Puzzle Club   Ask a question    Newsletter

What is nuclear fission?what is nuclear fusion?


Question asked by: knowitall

Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion refer to two quite different processes, both of which humans have realised can be harnessed to produce truly huge quantities of energy.

Nuclear fission is the splitting of an atom into more basic particles, in the process releasing energy. This is how standard nuclear technology and weapons work. Nuclear energy provided to homes and used in industry comes from nuclear fission. Atoms of radioactive elements decay or split and in the process, energy is given off.

Nuclear fusion is much harder to be achieved on earth and needs truly extreme conditions to be created. This is the process where rather than being split, atoms are fused together - hence fusion - to create something heavier or less fundamental.

A fusion reaction will lead to the release of even more energy than fission. Nuclear fusion is what happens inside a star as atoms of lighter elements are combined, for instance classically hydrogen to helium fusion in the sun.

By: Unknown
star star star star
Average rating for this answer is 4 / 5

Rate Answer
Comment or provide your answer to this question
No comments have been added to this question "What is nuclear fission?what is nuclear fusion?".
Ask a New Question

Find out more about Physics

Physics Questions and Answers

physics definitions Questions and Answers

Next question: why is sky blue?


Become a Member! It's Free >>>

Share on Facebook: On Twitter: TwitterTweet this!

Question Keywords

nuclear  fusion  fissionwhat  

More Questions:

Energy Of Spontanius Creation Of Particles
How Many Balloons?
What Are MACHOs?
What Is The Speed And Direction Of The Water Current?
Why A Neat Hole Is Formed When A Bullet Is Fired From A Close Range?