Nuclear Fusion and Fission

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Nuclear Fission vs. Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear fusion is a process in which energy is released when atoms combine to form a new, larger atom. The nuclei of the two atoms join together to form a heavier nucleus and to produce large amounts of energy. Fusion reactions can only occur at very high temperatures that are only possible in the sun and stars. Fusion in the space creates light and heat that helps warm the Earth and help life live. It is used to create hydrogen bombs because the amount of energy released can produce large explosions. (Energyquest, 2009)

Nuclear fission is a process in which atoms are broken apart to create smaller atoms. This also creates a large sum of energy that can produce electricity. In nuclear fission the nuclei of the two atoms are split apart into two smaller atoms with less mass. Fission is used to create atom bombs and nuclear bombs because it has a chain reaction and if used correctly can create huge explosions. (Energyquest, 2009)

Nuclear Reactions vs. Chemical Reactions

Chemical Reaction

Nuclear and chemical reactions can be exothermic (release energy) or endothermic (require energy input). The reactions help turn matter into some form of energy and they create something new in the end. In a nuclear reaction one of more new atoms are formed, and in a chemical reaction one of more new elements are formed. Nuclear reactions change the particles in the nucleus of an atom, while chemical reactions have nothing to do with the nucleus at all. Instead, chemical reactions occur with the electron clouds outside of the nucleus and change the particles that surround it. (Science Help Online Chemistry, 2004)