Chapter 25.3, Problem 19LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To state the differences between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.

Concept Introduction: The process which involves the formation of more than one nuclide via a collision between two nuclei or between one nucleus and a subatomic particle, is known as a nuclear reaction.

Answer to Problem 19LC

The splitting of nuclei takes place when the nuclei of an isotope are bombarded with neutrons, this splitting results in nuclear fission while in a nuclear fusion reaction, small nuclei combine to produce a large nucleus releasing energies.

Explanation of Solution

The nuclear reactions are categorized into two types that are as follows:

• Nuclear fission
• Nuclear fusion

The splitting of nuclei takes place when the nuclei of an isotope are bombarded with neutrons, this splitting results in nuclear fission while in a nuclear fusion reaction, small nuclei combine to produce a large nucleus releasing energies.

The energy released in a nuclear fusion reaction is comparatively much more than a nuclear fission reaction.

The reaction depicting nuclear fission is as follows:

  $\text{U}\to \text{B}\text{a}+\text{K}\text{r}$

The reaction depicting nuclear fusion is as follows:

  $\text{H}+\text{H}\to \text{H}\text{e}+\text{n}+\text{energy}$

Conclusion

Thus, nuclear fission is the one where the splitting of nuclei takes place when the nuclei of an isotope are bombarded with neutrons while in a nuclear fusion reaction, small nuclei combine to produce a large nucleus releasing energies.