Distinguish between nuclear fission and fusion. Show how in both these processes energy is released.
Calculate the energy release in MeV in the deuterium-tritium fusion reaction:
|
Nuclear Fission |
Nuclear Fusion |
|
The process of breaking a heavy nucleus into two or more lighter nuclei. |
The phenomenon of combining or fusing two or more lighter nuclei to form a single nucleus. |
 |
 |
The given equation is, 
Mass of the reactant, 
= (2.014102 + 3.016049) u
= 5.030151u
Mass of the product, 
= (4.002603 + 1.008665) u
= 5.011268 u
Difference in energy, 
= (5.030151 – 5.011268) u
= 0.018883u
Therefore, Energy released, E = 
= 0.018883 × 931.5 MeV
= 17.589514 MeV
