What is the difference between nuclear fusion and nuclear fission, and how do they differ in terms of their energy production processes?

Answer 1

Nuclear fusion is the process of combining two light atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy in the process. Nuclear fission, on the other hand, is the process of splitting a heavy atomic nucleus into smaller nuclei, also releasing a significant amount of energy. In terms of energy production processes, nuclear fusion powers the sun and stars by converting hydrogen into helium, while nuclear fission is used in nuclear power plants to generate electricity by splitting uranium or plutonium nuclei. Fusion generally produces more energy per reaction than fission, but it is currently more challenging to control and sustain on Earth.

Answer 2

Nuclear fusion involves combining atomic nuclei to release energy, while nuclear fission involves splitting atomic nuclei to release energy. Fusion produces energy by combining light nuclei, like hydrogen isotopes, while fission produces energy by splitting heavy nuclei, like uranium or plutonium. Fusion reactions release more energy per unit mass than fission reactions, but fusion is more difficult to achieve and sustain on Earth.