Nuclear Fusion and Nuclear Fission

Read the following information about nuclear fusion and fission

Nuclear Fusion- occurs when two

nuclei from different atoms combine to
form a new nuclei and neutron along
with a large release of energy

Nuclear Fission- occurs when a neutron

collides with a radioactive nuclei and
two smaller daugther nuclei forms and
releasing three neutron and a large
amount of energy

Questions

1. How are the two reactions similar?

- Both nuclear fusion and fission involve the release of energy from atomic nuclei. In both
reactions, the total mass of the reacting nuclei is slightly smaller than the mass of the
resulting products, and this mass difference is converted into energy according to Einstein's
famous equation, E=mc^2.

2. What are the differences between the two reactions?

- The key differences lie in the processes themselves. Nuclear fusion combines two light nuclei
to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy in the process. In contrast, nuclear fission
involves the splitting of a heavy nucleus into two or more smaller nuclei, accompanied by
the release of energy and additional neutrons that can trigger further fission reactions.
Fusion is the process powering the sun and other stars, while fission is the basis for nuclear
power plants and atomic bombs.

3. Complete the Venn diagram between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion
 - Involves the - Involves the
splitting of a heavy - Both
combining of two light
nucleus. release
nuclei.
energy from
- Results in two or atomic - Forms a heavier
more smaller nuclei. nucleus.
daughter nuclei.
- Mass is - Releases energy.
- Releases energy converted
and additional into energy
neutrons. according to

NUCLEAR POWER:

Use the table to write as many points as possible for each side of the argument.

Minimum 3 points:

Pros Cons

After you have them then use the following ARE (Assertion, Reason, Evidence) table to expand
your argument