Question

what is the equation for nuclear fission and fusion
give detailed explanation of all the variable used and also explain the process

Answer 1

Nuclear Fission:

The phenomenon of breaking or splitting of a heavy nucleus into two or more light nuclei is called nuclear fission.

e.g. ₀¹n + ₉₂²³⁵U → [₉₂²³⁶U] → ₅₆¹⁴¹Ba + ₃₆⁹²Kr + 3₀¹n + Q

Here the sum of the masses of the final products is slightly less than the sum of masses of the reactants. Thus, the mass difference (ΔM) is converted into energy according to Einstein's mass-energy equivalence relation and released into nuclear fission.

The three secondary neutrons (₀¹n) produced, further creates three similar type of reaction and so on. Thus, it will continue to react and called nuclear chain reaction.

Uses:

• The above reaction was used in atom bomb in the 2nd World War which was bombarded in the Hiroshima and is the most common nuclear fusion reaction.
• To produce radioisotope.
• For nuclear power plant to generate electricity.

Condition for nuclear chain reaction:

• The fissionable material (₉₂²³⁵U) should be highly pure.
• The material should be greater than critical size.
• Depends on Neutron reproduction factor (K).

Nuclear Fusion:

The phenomenon of fusing two or more light nuclei to form a heavy nucleus is called nuclear fusion.

e.g. ₁²H + ₁³H → ₁⁴He + ₀¹n + Q

Here the sum of the masses of the final products is slightly less than the sum of masses of the reactants. Thus, the mass difference (ΔM) is converted into energy according to Einstein's mass-energy equivalence relation and released into nuclear fusion.

For, fusion reaction the temperature needs to be very high i.e. about 10⁷ °C.

Uses:

• Create Hydrogen-bomb.
• The above reaction is regularly going on in the surface of Sun which provides us energy in the form of solar energy.

Differences between Nuclear fission and fusion:

• Fission can occur at room temperature while fusion occurs at very high temperature.
• The link of the process is neutron in fission while the link of the process is proton in fusion reaction.