Differences between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion reaction

May 5, 2018

S.N	Nuclear fission	Nuclear fusion
1.	The reaction in which a single heavy nucleus splits into two or more light nuclei is called nuclear fission reaction. ₀n¹ +₉₂U²³⁵ → ₅₆Ba¹⁴¹ +₃₆Kr⁹² +3₀n¹ + E	The reaction in which two or more light nuclei combine to form a single heavy nucleus is called nuclear fusion reaction. ₁H² +₁H² → ₂He⁴ + E
2.	It can be controlled.	It cannot be controlled
3.	i) An atom bomb is made on the basis of this reaction. ii) Uncontrolled chain reaction result this bomb.	i) A nuclear bomb is made on the basis of this reaction. ii) Uncontrolled fusion reaction result H-bombs.
4.	It occurs in the form of chain reaction.	It does not occur in the form of chain reaction.
5.	i) Less energy is produced comparatively. ii) Energy released per fission is about 200 MeV. iii) Energy released per nucleons is about 0.8 MeV.	i) More energy is produced comparatively. ii) Energy released per fusion is about 24 MeV. iii) Energy released per nucleon is 6 MeV.
6.	The heavy nucleus is bombarded with neutrons.	Light nuclei are heated to an extremely high temperature.
7.	i) Raw material is not easily available and is costly. ii) Fuel can be stored for any length of time. iii) The sources (fuel) for fission is limited.	i) Raw material is comparatively cheap and easily available. ii) Fuel cannot be stored as no container is available for such high temperature. iii) Almost unlimited source.
8.	Disposal of nuclear waste is great environmental problem.	Disposal of nuclear waste is not involved
9.	It does not occur normally in nature.	It occurs in stars, such as sun.
10.	Critical mass of the substance and high speed neutrons are required.	High density, high temperature environment is required.
11.	It produces many highly radioactive particles.	Few radioactive particles are produced by this reaction.
12.	It takes little energy to split two atoms in this reaction.	Extremely high energy is required to bring two or more protons close enough.
13.	Proper mechanisms are available to have control over it.	Proper mechanisms are yet to be developed regarding this reaction.