Nuclear Fission VS Nuclear Fusion ( Compare and Contrast )

                      Defining Fission and Fusion.

                      Nuclear Fission is the process used in production of nuclear power. Fission involves splitting the nucleus of a heavy atom, such as uranium. This yields two or more lighter nuclei and a large amount of energy.

                     Nuclear Fusion , on the other hand, is the combination of two hydrogen nuclei into one helium nucleus, under conditions of extreme heat and pressure. Fusion is the process by which energy is created in the sun.

                    The functions of Fission

                    According from wikipedia , the free encyclopedia, In Nuclear physics and Nuclear chemistry, Nuclear fission is a nuclear reaction in which the nucleus of an atom splits into smaller parts(lighter nuclei), often producing free neutrons and photons( in the form of gamma rays), as well. Fission of heavy elements is an Exothermic Reaction, which can release large amounts of energy both as electromagnetic radiation and as kinetic energy of the fragments(heating the bulk material where fission takes place).

                    As a way of producing energy, the total binding energy of the resulting elements has to be lower than that of the starting elements. It is a form of nuclear transformation because the resulting fragments are not the same element as the original atom.

                     The Functions of  Fusion

                     According from wikipedia, "Fusion Power", is the power generated by nuclear fusion reactions . In this kind of reaction, two light atomic nuclei fuse together to form a heavier nucleus and in doing so, it release a large amount of energy. In a more general sense, the term can also refer to the production of net usable power from a fusion source, similar to the usage of the term "steam power". Most design studies for fusion power plants involve using the fusion reactions to create heat, which is then used to operate a steam turbine, which drives generators to produce electricity. Except for the use of a thermonuclear heat source, this is similar to most coal,oil, and gas-fired power stations as well as fission-driven nuclear power stations.

                   As I know this, Nuclear Fusion occurs naturally in stars. Artificial fusion in human enterprises has also been achieved, although it has not yet been completely controlled as an energy source. And so, the sun is a natural fusion reactor.

                  The Difference Between Fission and Fusion.

                  As far as I know, as a whole, Fission and Fusion are different types of nuclear reactions in which energy is released from the high-powered bonds between particles in the atomic nucleus. The atomic nucleus is most stable when binding energies between particles are strongest. This occurs with iron and nickel. For lighter atomic nuclei, energy can be extracted by combining these nuclei together, a process known as Nuclear Fusion. For a heavier than those of iron or nickel, energy can be extracted by splitting them apart in a process called Nuclear Fission.

                 Advantages and Disadvantages of Fission.

                 As generally briefing, these were based on my physics

       ADVANTAGES

    1. Relatively little fuel is needed and the fuel is relatively inexpensive and available in trace amounts around                                      the world.

    2. Fission is not believed to contribute to global warming or other pollution effects associated with fossil fuel combustion.

       DISADVANTAGES

    1. Possibility of nuclear meltdown from uncontrolled reaction leads to nuclear fallout with potentially harmful effects on civilians.

     2. Waste products can be used to manufacture weapons.

     3. High Initial Cost because plant requires containment safeguards.

             Advantages and Disadvantages of Fusion.

     ADVANTAGES

     1. Fusion Reaction also generates elecricity.

     2. It is relatively CLEANER than fission.

         a. No Pollutants released.

         b.No Radioactive waste to bury or worry about.

     DISADVANTAGES/PROBLEMS

      1. For fusion to occur, the extremely high temperature required must be achieved.

      2. Producing the container on where to place the high temperature gaseous ions. On Earth, the practical approaches being used are:

         a. Magnetic Confinement

         b. Inertial Confinement

         c. Safer since any malfunction results is rapid shutdown.

                               Summary - Compare and Contrast of Fission and Fusion.

	FISSION	FUSION
1.   PROCESS	Heavy-> SPLIT-> lighter nuclei	Lighter nuclei->COMBINE->heavy nuclei
2.   CONTROLLED	Fission Reactor	Fusion Reactor
3. UNCONTROLLED	Atomic Bomb	Hydrogen Bomb
4.    FUEL	Limited U=235, PU=239	Abundant Deuterium and Tritium
5.       Conditions t  o occur	Critical mass/ Neutron	Extremely high temperature/ Hydrogen
6..     Energy Released	Tremendous	Tremendous
7.     Environmental Effects	a.       Possible nuclear accidents b.      Generates electricity                                c.       Routine emission of   radiation during normal operation d.      Inadequate management	a.       Possible nuclear accidents/ Safer           b.      Generates Electricity           c.       No pollutants released           d.      No radioactive wastes to bury or worry about.