What's the difference between Nuclear Fission & Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion are two different types of nuclear reactions that involve the release of energy from atomic nuclei.

Nuclear fission is the process in which a heavy nucleus (such as uranium-235) is split into two smaller nuclei, along with the release of a large amount of energy in the form of radiation and heat. This reaction is typically initiated by bombarding the nucleus with a neutron, which causes it to become unstable and break apart. Nuclear fission is used in nuclear power plants to generate electricity by heating water to create steam, which drives turbines that generate electricity.

Nuclear fusion, on the other hand, is the process in which two light nuclei (such as hydrogen) are combined to form a heavier nucleus, also releasing a large amount of energy in the process. This reaction requires very high temperatures and pressures to overcome the natural repulsion between positively charged atomic nuclei. Nuclear fusion is the process that powers the sun and other stars, and researchers are currently working to develop practical fusion reactors that could provide a new source of clean energy on Earth.

In summary, nuclear fission involves the splitting of heavy nuclei to release energy, while nuclear fusion involves the combination of light nuclei to release energy.