Nuclear Fission and Fusion Reactions Nuclear reactions involve the splitting or combining of atomic nuclei to create new elements or release or absorb signif...
Nuclear reactions involve the splitting or combining of atomic nuclei to create new elements or release or absorb significant amounts of energy. There are two main types of nuclear reactions: fission and fusion.
Nuclear Fission
In a fission reaction, a heavy nucleus, such as uranium or plutonium, is split into two or more smaller nuclei, accompanied by the release of a significant amount of energy. This process is used in nuclear reactors to generate electricity and power industrial processes.
Example: The following is an example of nuclear fission in action:
The nucleus of an atom of uranium-235 splits into two nuclei of atoms of helium-4. This process releases a tremendous amount of energy, resulting in the formation of a nucleus of uranium-236 and two neutrons.
Nuclear Fusion
In a fusion reaction, two light nuclei, such as hydrogen-3 or deuterium, fuse together to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a substantial amount of energy. Fusion is the power source of the Sun and other stars.
Example: The following is an example of nuclear fusion in action:
Two hydrogen nuclei fuse together to form a helium nucleus, releasing a tremendous amount of energy. This process is what powers the Sun and other stars.
These are just two examples of the many different types of nuclear reactions that occur. Nuclear reactions can be controlled and used to generate electricity, power nuclear weapons, and even create new materials