Differences between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion reaction

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. The reaction in which two or more light nuclei combine to form a single heavy nucleus is called nuclear fusion reaction.
2. It can be controlled. It cannot be controlled
3. An atom bomb is made on the basis of this reaction. A nuclear bomb is made on the basis of this reaction.
4. It occurs in the form of chain reaction. It does not occur in the form of chain reaction.
5. Less energy is produced comparatively. More energy is produced comparatively.
6. The heavy nucleus is bombarded with neutrons. Light nuclei are heated to an extremely high temperature.
7. Raw material is not easily available and is costly. Raw material is comparatively cheap and easily available.
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.

Class Twelve Physics | Nuclear Fission and Fusion

Image source: askmattrab

 

References: 

i) https://research.binus.ac.id/rigpcs/2013/12/06/fission-vs-fusion/

ii) https://www.diffen.com/difference/Nuclear_Fission_vs_Nuclear_Fusion

Differences between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion reaction