Chapter 20, Problem 57E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The advantages that fusion reactions have over fission reactions when used as a source of nuclear power are to be stated. The reason as to why fusion reactions are not used instead of fission reactions is to be stated.

Concept introduction:

The elements whose nucleus decays spontaneously are known as radioactive elements. The elements whose nucleus decays spontaneously are known as radioactive elements. The decay is accompanied by the emission of alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. All the elements which have an atomic number greater than $83$ are radioactive. The process by which a radioactive nucleus splits to give two nuclei of smaller masses is known as nuclear fission. In fusion reactions, a larger nucleus is formed by the combination of two small nuclei.