Exploring the Mysteries of Nuclear Fission & Fusion

In summary, nuclear fusion involves the joining of two nuclei, resulting in a loss of mass and energy that is released as gamma rays. In contrast, in nuclear fission, the average binding energy per nucleon increases, leading to an overall loss in mass and the release of energy. This may be confusing because energy is typically proportional to mass, but in both fusion and fission reactions, the resulting nuclei are closer to iron, resulting in a release of excess energy.
  • #1
Hypochondriac
35
0
in nuclear fusion, 2 nuclei join to make one correct,
therefore there is a loss of mass and energy, that energy escapes as gamma rays etc.

but in nuclear fission, as the binding energy increases surely energy must have to come from somewhere, but apparently energy is given out?

also my revision guide says (for fission) "the average binding energy per nucleon increases so there is an overall loss in mass"
this confuses me because energy is proportional to mass, so if energy increases so does mass, not the opposite.

plus id expect fission to be the opposite of fusion but it seems they both give out energy...what am i missing/what don't i understand about this?
 
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  • #2
The nucleus with the smallest mass per nucleon is Fe56 (I may be off slightly). Therefore when light elements fuse, there is excess energy. Similarly when heavy elements fiss, there is excess energy.
 
  • #3
ok so aslong as the resulting nucleus/nuclei are further towards iron then energy is given out

cheers
 

Related to Exploring the Mysteries of Nuclear Fission & Fusion

1. What is the difference between nuclear fission and fusion?

Nuclear fission is the process of splitting an atom into smaller fragments, while fusion is the process of combining two or more atoms to form a larger one. Fission is the process used in nuclear power plants to generate energy, while fusion is still in the experimental stages.

2. How does nuclear energy from fission and fusion compare to other sources?

Nuclear energy from fission and fusion has the potential to produce much more energy than traditional sources such as coal or oil. However, there are also concerns about the safety and environmental impact of nuclear energy.

3. What are the potential benefits of nuclear fusion?

Nuclear fusion has the potential to provide a virtually limitless source of clean energy. It produces no greenhouse gases or air pollution and does not produce long-term nuclear waste. It also uses readily available fuel sources, such as hydrogen, and does not have the same risks of nuclear meltdowns as fission.

4. What are the challenges of achieving nuclear fusion?

One of the main challenges of achieving nuclear fusion is the extremely high temperatures and pressures needed to initiate and sustain the reaction. Scientists are also working to find ways to contain and control the intense energy produced by fusion reactions. Additionally, the development and construction of fusion reactors is a complex and expensive process.

5. Are there any potential dangers associated with nuclear fission and fusion?

While nuclear energy from fission and fusion has the potential to be a safe and clean source of energy, there are still some risks and dangers associated with it. These include the potential for accidents and radiation exposure, as well as concerns about the disposal of nuclear waste. It is important for scientists and engineers to carefully consider and mitigate these risks in the development and use of nuclear energy.

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