Question

Which produces more energy, nuclear fusion or nuclear fission?

Answer 1

To answer this question, first we need to understand the concept of energy. In simple words, we can say that energy is the capability to do work. There are various types of energy- light energy, heat energy, mechanical energy, electrical energy, sound energy, nuclear energy, etc. The SI unit of energy is Joule.

Complete answer:
Let us first understand the meaning of nuclear fusion and nuclear fission:
Nuclear fission: When a neutron crashes into a bigger atom, nuclear fission occurs. This causes it to excite and split into two smaller atoms, which are also known as fission products. The additional neutrons that have the capability to initiate the chain reaction are also released in this process. A huge amount of energy is released when the atom splits into smaller parts.

Nuclear fusion: Nuclear fusion takes place when two hydrogen atoms combine to form one Helium atom. So, we can say that in nuclear fusion two smaller atoms combine to form a bigger atom. This mechanism is the same that drives the sun which provides a huge quantity of energy, which is many times greater than fission.

Scientists all around the world are investigating fusion reactions but due to the huge amount of pressure and temperature required to bind the nuclei together, it is near to impossible for a long period of time. Nuclear fusion produces more energy than nuclear fission. The reason for this is that in nuclear fusion, lighter elements like hydrogen are involved whereas in nuclear fission, heavier elements like uranium are involved.

Note: Fission can also be defined as the separation of a heavy and unstable nucleus into two lighter nuclei whereas fusion can also be defined as the process in which two light nuclei fuse together to produce large quantities of energy .The application of nuclear fission is that this fission-released energy heats water into steam. The steam is then used to spin a turbine to generate energy which is carbon-free.