Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion are two non-renewable sources of energy. Compare nuclear fission and nuclear fusion as possible sources of energy for generating electricity using a nuclear reactor – 8016.

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1. Nuclear fission is the process where a large, heavy atomic nucleus, such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239, is split into two smaller nuclei when it is hit by a neutron. This splitting also releases more neutrons and a large amount of energy. The new neutrons can go on to hit other nuclei, causing more fission reactions—this is called a chain reaction.

   An advantage of fission is that it is already used in nuclear power stations to generate electricity, so we know how to control it. However, there are disadvantages too. It produces radioactive waste, which is dangerous and difficult to store safely for long periods. Also, there is a risk of accidents like reactor meltdowns if the process is not controlled properly.

   Nuclear fusion is a different process where two light nuclei, such as isotopes of hydrogen (deuterium and tritium), are joined together to form a heavier nucleus, like helium. This reaction also releases a huge amount of energy. Fusion only happens at very high temperatures and pressures, like those in the Sun.

   The main advantage of fusion is that it does not produce harmful radioactive waste, making it a cleaner and safer option in the long term. But the disadvantage is that fusion is not yet possible on a practical scale because we haven’t yet found a way to sustain the extreme conditions (high temperature, pressure, and particle density) needed for fusion on Earth.

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