Compare nuclear fission and fusion as energy sources, including what happens to nuclei, operating conditions and one challenge for each.

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Fission splits heavy nuclei and can sustain a chain reaction but makes radioactive waste; fusion joins light nuclei, needs extreme confinement temperatures and is difficult to sustain, while producing less long-lived high-level waste from fuel products. Fission: a heavy nucleus splits after neutron absorption and releases energy and more neutrons. Control is needed to prevent an accelerating chain reaction and manage waste. Fusion: light nuclei combine and release binding energy. Fusion requires extremely high temperature and confinement; materials can still become activated.

Fission versus fusion

Compare nuclear fission and fusion as energy sources, including what happens to nuclei, operating conditions and one challenge for each.

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