Unit 1 Question

Question

Please describe the following two processes: nuclear fission, and nuclear fusion. Briefly describe both processes in your own words, write one example reaction for each of the processes, and provide examples on where in the world could you find these processes occurring.

Answer 1

Nuclear Fission:

Nuclear fission is a process in which the nucleus of a heavy atom, typically uranium-235 or plutonium-239, splits into two smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy in the process. This energy release occurs due to the conversion of mass into energy, as predicted by Einstein's famous equation, E=mc². In a nuclear fission reaction, a neutron is usually used to initiate the process, and when it collides with a heavy nucleus, it causes it to become unstable and split into two or more smaller nuclei, along with the release of additional neutrons. These released neutrons can go on to trigger more fission reactions, leading to a self-sustaining chain reaction. Nuclear fission is the process at the heart of nuclear reactors used for electricity generation.

Example Reaction:

U-235 + neutron → Ba-141 + Kr-92 + 3 neutrons

Where in the World:

Nuclear fission occurs in nuclear power plants around the world, such as those in the United States, France, Russia, and many other countries, where uranium or plutonium fuel rods undergo controlled fission reactions to produce electricity.

Nuclear Fusion:

Nuclear fusion is a process in which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing an enormous amount of energy. This is the process that powers the sun and other stars, as it involves the conversion of mass into energy. In a fusion reaction, like the one occurring in the sun, the extremely high temperatures and pressures cause hydrogen nuclei (protons) to come together and form helium nuclei, releasing a tremendous amount of energy in the form of light and heat. Achieving controlled nuclear fusion on Earth for practical energy generation has proven to be challenging due to the extreme conditions required for fusion, but it holds the potential to provide a nearly limitless and clean source of energy.

Example Reaction:

Deuterium + Tritium → Helium + Neutron

Where in the World:

Nuclear fusion experiments take place in various research facilities globally, with some of the most notable efforts being the Joint European Torus (JET) in the United Kingdom, the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in France, and the National Ignition Facility (NIF) in the United States. Scientists are working to harness the power of nuclear fusion for practical energy production, which could revolutionize the world's energy sources if successful.

Answer 2

Nuclear fission: Large atom split and form smaller atoms. Nuclear power plant.

uranium-235 becomes extremely unstable with the extra neutron. As a result, it splits into two smaller nuclei, krypton-92 and barium-141. The reaction also releases three neutrons and a great deal of energy. 

Nuclear fusion: small atoms fuse together and form larger atom. The core of the Sun.

H + H → He + ENERGY