Chapter 20, Problem 53QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The advantages of a fusion reactor over a fission reactor and the reasons for the difficulty in operating a large-scale fusion reactor are to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Nuclear fusion is a process in which various nuclei combine to form heavier nuclei. This is also called a nuclear reaction.

In this process, appreciable amount of energy is released.

Nuclear fusion takes place only at high temperature, they are called thermonuclear reactions.

Nuclear fission is a type of a nuclear reaction in which an atom’s nucleus is broken down into lighter nuclei.

This process of nuclear fission occurs because the heavy nucleus is less stable than its product.

In this process, large amount of energy is released.