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What are the key differences between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion?
Fission: Splitting of heavy nuclei, large energy release, often radioactive byproducts. | Fusion: Combining of light nuclei, very large energy release, generally not radioactive byproducts.
Compare the energy release in fission vs. fusion.
Fission: Releases a large amount of energy. | Fusion: Releases an even larger amount of energy than fission.
Compare the nuclei involved in fission vs. fusion.
Fission: Heavy, unstable nuclei. | Fusion: Light nuclei.
Compare the byproducts of fission vs. fusion.
Fission: Often radioactive. | Fusion: Generally not radioactive.
What is the effect of a higher average binding energy?
A more stable nucleus.
What happens when a heavy nucleus absorbs a slow-moving neutron?
Nuclear fission occurs, and the nucleus splits into smaller nuclei, releasing energy.
What is the effect of mass defect?
The 'missing mass' is converted into binding energy, holding the nucleus together.
What powers the sun and stars?
Nuclear fusion.
What are the steps to calculate binding energy?
1. Find the mass defect (ฮm). 2. Use $BE = Delta m c^2$ or $BE(MeV) = ext{Mass Defect} * 931.5 ext{ MeV/u}$. 3. Calculate Average Binding Energy: $Avg BE = frac{BE}{A}$.
What is the first step in calculating the energy released during nuclear fission or fusion?
Calculate the mass defect ($Delta m$) by finding the difference between the mass of the reactants and the mass of the products.