difference between nuclear fission and fusion with example

(it's not quite that simple, otherwise we might find a way to fuse two lighter-than-iron nuclei to release energy and create a heavier-than-iron nucleus which we then split again back to the two original nuclei and release even more energy.

a higher atomic number) than iron, fusion absorbs energy, and fission releases energy. Whereas, for elements with a higher proton count (i.e. a lower atomic number) than iron, fusion releases energy, but fission absorbs energy. Fission is a type of nuclear reaction that may occur spontaneously or as a result of a particle striking an atomic nucleus. Nuclear fusion and nuclear fission are two different types of energy-releasing reactions in which energy is released from high-powered atomic bonds between the particles within the nucleus. The original heavy atom is termed the parent nucleus, and the lighter nuclei are daughter nuclei. Key Difference: Fission and Fusion are two different kinds of nuclear reactions that produce energy, but they are opposite to each other. Ron's given you the classic examples for fission and for fusion.Įither process can absorb energy, or release it.įor elements with a lower proton count (i.e. Fission is the splitting of an atomic nucleus into two or more lighter nuclei accompanied by energy release. 'Confusion' comes from the same root word, and happens when you mix things up together in your mind - the 'fusion' in 'confusion' is the bringing things together.įission is a decrease in the number of protons by splitting the nucleus: 'fission' means a split. You know fusing means joining together, right? So that can help you remember which is which. Fission involves the splitting of a single, generally heavy, atomic nucleus, whereas fusion requires the combining of two or more light atoms. Fusion is an increase in the number of protons in the nucleus by fusing two nuclei. Difference: Nuclear fusion is the combinational reaction when more than one nucleus forms one single new nucleus while nuclear fission is a disintegration.

Difference between nuclear fission and fusion with example