Nuclear Fission and Fusion

Nuclear Fission and Fusion are both forms of nuclear energy but vary on the production of such energy.

Nuclear Fission

Nuclear Fission uses either Plutonium or Uranium for fuel. Fission starts when a fast moving neutron strikes a nucleus. The whole nucleus breaks apart into two smaller nuclei. In the process of splitting several neutrons split off from the nuclei and continue the reaction. A Nuclear Reactor requires a controlled reaction. An uncontrolled reaction will lead to incredible heat being generated, and this is how a Nuclear Bomb is created. 

Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear Fusion uses Hydrogen as fuel and occurs when atoms fuse together. To start a fusion reaction, pairs of nuclei must meet so that they fuse together. When they fuse a neutron will be left over. The fused nucleus will move off at high speed producing astronomical amounts of heat. There is no radiation, but the neutrons are harmful. To make the nuclei fuse the temperature of the atoms must reach millions of degrees.