An explanation of the process of nuclear fusion and nuclear fission.
Nuclear fission is when a neutron hits the nucleus of heavy element it makes the atom split into two new atoms. Then the two new atoms have a nucleus and around half the number of protons and neutrons from the original atom. This makes a lot of energy and gamma rays. Then two or three neutrons that aren’t held by a bond come off of the atom. Then it creates a chain reaction which makes even more energy and this is very good in a controlled process but can be also be very dangerous in a uncontrolled process and can create atomic bombs. (world-nuclear.org, 2007).
Nuclear fusion is when two light elements hit each other to make a heavy element. (world-nuclear.org, 2007).Unlike fission bombs, which are made of uranium atoms or other heavy elements fusion bombs are made of hydrogen atoms. Also in the nuclear fusion process it is always uncontrolled because scientists haven't been able to control it yet and fission can be controlled. Fusion and Fission is alike because they both can be uncontrolled and turned into nuclear bombs but are different because only fission can be controlled to make energy. (world-nuclear.org, 2007).
Fission picture
Chain reaction picture
Fusion picture
