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. |
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
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Shailesh Koirala
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