Question

Explain, giving necessary reactions, how energy is released during (i) fission and (ii) fusion.

Answer 1

The energy released in both Fission and Fusion follow Einstein's Mass Energy equivalence reaction

• i.e. E=∆m c^2

• Here, ∆m is the mass difference of product and reactants

• c is the speed of light

• In Fission, a heavier nucleus breaks down into two lighter nuclei releasing enormous amount of energy

• E.g. U-235 -> Ba-141 + Kr-92 + energy

• In Fusion, two lighter nuclei combines to form a heavier nucleus along with the release of energy.

• E.g. H-2 + H-2 -> He-3 + energy