Nuclear Fission and Fusion: JEE Main Important Topic

A nuclear reaction is a reaction in which the stable form of nuclides form due to the collision of the atomic nuclei or elements of atoms (such as neutrons). This reaction is spontaneous and non-spontaneous. The nuclear reaction is of two types: nuclear fission and nuclear fusion. Both are nuclear reactions that produce a higher amount of energy when the collision of atomic nuclei happens. 

In this article, different interesting topics (like nuclear fission and fusion, the difference between nuclear fission and fusion, nuclear fission and fusion applications, examples of nuclear fission and fusion and the amount of energy released in nuclear fission and fusion, etc.) are discussed. The effect of nuclear fusion on the sun experienced by living entities present on earth is also explained in an elaborate manner.  

What is Nuclear Fission?

Nuclear fission is a nuclear reaction in which a neutron reacts with a larger atom by bombarding it, for the breakdown of a larger atom into smaller ones. The obtained smaller products are known as ‘fission products.

A Nuclear Fission 

In this reaction, a neutron obtained after the reaction moves further for the initiation of another nuclear fission reaction. This nuclear reaction is exothermic, which depicts that it releases a tremendous amount of energy. An example of nuclear fission is  Uranium-235 reacting with the neutrons, resulting in the formation of Krypton-92 and barium as fission products with the three neutrons. The nuclear reaction for the same is given below:

${ }_{92}^{235} U+{ }_{0}^{1} n \rightarrow{ }_{56}^{141} B a+{ }_{36}^{92} K r+3{ }_{0}^{1} n$

Nuclear Fusion

A nuclear fusion is a nuclear reaction in which two smaller atoms strike together with bombardment for the formation of a heavier and stable atom. In simple terms, it is just like the fusion of two small nuclei for the formation of a stable nucleus.

A Nuclear Fusion

In this nuclear fusion, a higher amount of energy than the fission process is generated. This nuclear fusion reaction does not sustain for a longer period due to the requirement of the tremendous amount of pressure and temperature for the joining of different nuclei. 

An example of nuclear fusion is when two deuterium nuclei are heated to extremely high pressure and temperature and combine to form a heavy nucleus of helium with the emission of neutrons and a high amount of energy. The reaction for nuclear fusion is given below:

${ }_{1}^{2} H+{ }_{1}^{2} H \rightarrow{ }_{2}^{3} H+{ }_{0}^{1} n$

Another common example of nuclear fusion is:

The fusion of deuterium with tritium to form helium during the nuclear fusion reaction in the core of the sun.  

Difference Between Nuclear Fission and Fusion

The difference between nuclear fission and fusion is given in the table below:

Applications of Nuclear Fission and Fusion 

• The amount of energy released from the nuclear fission process is used in reactors that convert water into steam, which is further used to run the turbine. It acts as a source of carbon-free electricity.

• The result of nuclear fusion in the sun produces light and warmth, which is experienced by living entities on earth.

• As no combustion takes place in nuclear fission and fusion, there are no symptoms of air pollution. 

• The energy released from the nuclear fission process is used for running the propeller of submarines. 

• The energy obtained from nuclear fusion can act as a fuel supplier in abundance. 

Conclusion 

This article concludes with interesting and basic information on nuclear fission and fusion. It also shows the difference between nuclear fission and fusion. It covers information on nuclear fission and fusion, nuclear fission and fusion applications and has shared 5 examples of both. It has also described the difference in the amount of energy released in nuclear fission and fusion. This article provides clarity on the concept of nuclear fission and fusion in an elaborate manner.