Nuclear fusion is the reaction in which two or more nuclei combine, forming a new element with a higher atomic number (more protons in the nucleus). Hydrogen isotopes (Deuterium and Tritium) are the primary fuel used in experimental fusion power plants.įusion of deuterium with tritium creating helium-4, freeing a neutron, and releasing 17.59 MeV of energy. Uranium is the primary fuel used in power plants. ![]() One class of nuclear weapon is the hydrogen bomb, which uses a fission reaction to "trigger" a fusion reaction.įusion is an experimental technology for producing power. One class of nuclear weapon is a fission bomb, also known as an atomic bomb or atom bomb. ![]() The energy released by fusion is three to four times greater than the energy released by fission. The energy released by fission is a million times greater than that released in chemical reactions, but lower than the energy released by nuclear fusion. Takes little energy to split two atoms in a fission reaction.Įxtremely high energy is required to bring two or more protons close enough that nuclear forces overcome their electrostatic repulsion. High density, high temperature environment is required. ![]() Comparison chart Nuclear Fission versus Nuclear Fusion comparison chartįission is the splitting of a large atom into two or more smaller ones.įusion is the fusing of two or more lighter atoms into a larger one.įission reaction does not normally occur in nature.įission produces many highly radioactive particles.įew radioactive particles are produced by fusion reaction, but if a fission "trigger" is used, radioactive particles will result from that.Ĭritical mass of the substance and high-speed neutrons are required.
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