Science
Fission and fusion.
Definition
Nuclear fission is the splitting of a heavy atomic nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing energy. Nuclear fusion is the combining of light nuclei into a heavier nucleus, also releasing energy. Both processes convert a small amount of mass into enormous energy according to E = mc².
Examples
Real-world.
- 1 Nuclear power plants use fission of uranium-235
- 2 The Sun produces energy through fusion of hydrogen into helium
- 3 Hydrogen bombs use fusion reactions
Key Fact
E = mc²; both fission and fusion convert mass to energy