IG Phy – Nuclear Fission and Fusion

Nuclear fission is the splitting of a nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing energy.

In a typical nuclear fission reaction, a uranium nucleus absorbs a slow-moving neutron.

During nuclear fission, the total mass of the particles after the reaction is greater than the total mass before the reaction.

Neutrons released during fission can trigger further reactions with other uranium nuclei.

The energy released in nuclear fission appears as kinetic energy of the fission products and neutrons.

In nuclear fusion, lighter nuclei join together to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.

Stars, including our Sun, generate energy through nuclear fission reactions.

High temperatures and pressures in stars make nuclear fusion possible.

The mass of the final nucleus in a fusion reaction is greater than the total mass of the particles before the reaction.

A typical fusion reaction involves hydrogen nuclei joining together to form helium.