What is the difference between nuclear fission and fusion?

What is the difference between nuclear fission and fusion?

Nuclear fission is the splitting of an atomic nucleus, while fusion is the combining of nuclei. Fission releases energy by breaking apart heavy elements like uranium, whereas fusion releases energy by merging light elements like hydrogen.

Which process is more powerful?

Fusion is generally more powerful than fission. For example, the energy produced by fusion in stars, including our sun, is significantly greater than that from fission reactions.

Why is fusion not used for energy production on Earth?

Fusion requires extremely high temperatures and pressures to occur, making it challenging to achieve and maintain on Earth. Current technology is still developing to make fusion a viable energy source.

Are there any advantages to using fission?

Yes, fission is currently more established for energy production, with existing nuclear power plants generating significant electricity. It also produces less long-lived radioactive waste compared to fusion.

What are the safety concerns with fission?

Safety concerns with fission include the risk of nuclear accidents, radioactive waste management, and the potential for nuclear proliferation.