When conditions are right, the nucleus of an atom can split into smaller nuclei. The fission of one uranium atom can release as much energy as the combustion of 16,000 tons of coal.įission reactions usually take place under high temperatures and pressures, such as those found in stars or nuclear reactors. What is fission?įission is a nuclear reaction in which an atom splits into two or more smaller atoms. Two approaches are currently being developed: magnetic confinement and inertial confinement. Here on Earth, we are working on ways to harness fusion power for peaceful purposes. In stars, including our sun, gravitational forces produce these high temperatures and pressures. The mass difference is released as energy according to Einstein’s famous equation, E=mc2.įusion reactions can only occur at extremely high temperatures-so high that conventional explosives cannot provide enough energy to start the reaction. For example, when two hydrogen atoms fuse to form helium, the mass of the resulting helium atom is less than the sum of the masses of the two hydrogen atoms. The products of fusion reactions are generally heavier than the reactants. The process releases energy and is responsible for the power of the sun and other stars. In nuclear physics, fusion is the process by which two or more atomic nuclei join together to form one or more larger nuclei.įusion is a thermonuclear reaction in which two lighter atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. While both can be used as an energy source, they have their differences that must be taken into consideration when deciding which one to use for a particular application.
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