Nuclear Fission v Nuclear Fusion - Essay Example

Nuclear Fission v Nuclear Fusion Running Head: Nuclear Fission v Nuclear Fusion Nuclear Fission v Nuclear Fusion Nuclear Fission v Nuclear Fusion 2Table of Contents 1. Abstract Page 3 2. Introduction Page 3 3. Nuclear Fission Page 3….4 4. Nuclear Fusion Page 5 5. Nuclear fission vs nuclear fusion Page 6 6. Advantages and Disadvantages Page 6….7 7. Recommendations Page 7 8. Conclusion Page 7 9. References Page 8 Nuclear Fission v Nuclear Fusion 3 Abstract Nuclear energy is considered to be the prominent energy source in the future. Since most of the other energy sources are exhausting, in order to cater the increased need of energy requirement in future, nuclear sources has to be explored properly. This paper analyses nuclear energy extraction through nuclear fission and fusion processes and its consequences. Introduction Most of the countries are now switched their interest towards nuclear energy because of the rapid exhaustion of other energy sources. The requirement for energy increases everywhere because of heavy industrialization and hence new sources of energies need to be explored. The recent nuclear energy agreement (1-2-3 agreement) signed between India and America is the best example for the interests in nuclear energy by developing countries like India. Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion are the two scientific processes used to liberate energy from the nucleus of an atom. Both these processes have its scientific base in the famous relativity theory formulated by the well known scientist Einstein. The equation E = mc2 (E-energy, m- mass of the matter and v – velocity of light) formulated by Einstein serves as the base for these two processes nuclear fission and fusion. Through this equation Einstein established that matter can be converted to energy and vice versa. Nuclear Fission Nuclear fission is a process of splitting up of a heavy nucleus by a fast moving neutron. Mostly one of the isotopes of Uranium, U235 is used for the fission purpose. When U235 is bombarded with a neutron, it will be accepted by the U235 nucleus and becomes U236. But U236 is Nuclear Fission v Nuclear Fusion 4 highly unstable and it will split up into two different products Barium and Krypton. The reaction can be represented as follows; 235U + 1 neutron 2 neutrons + 92Kr + 142Ba + ENERGY 235U + 1 neutron 2 neutrons + 92Sr + 140Xe + ENERGY (Basic Nuclear Fission) This reaction was first studied by Enrico Fermi and his colleagues. But they failed to interpret the results properly. They could not identify the reason for the formation of two new elements when Uranium nucleus was bombarded with a neutron. But German scientists Otto Hann and Fritz Strassmann were successful in explaining the process. They have concluded that “if a massive nucleus like uranium-235 breaks apart (fissions), then there will be a net yield of energy because the sum of the masses of the fragments will be less than the mass of the uranium nucleus.” (Nuclear Fission) (Nuclear Fission: Basics) Nuclear Fission v Nuclear Fusion 5 Nuclear Fusion Nuclear fusion is the reverse process of nuclear fission. Here two light nuclei were combined to form a single heavier nucleus. It is a process in which both energy absorption as well as energy liberation takes place. It occurs naturally at stars. The Sun is able to produce huge amount of heat only because of the fusion reaction happening in it. Unlike nuclear fission it is difficult to conduct nuclear fusion in a controlled manner. “Fusion can only occur in super-heated environments measuring in the millions of degrees” (How Fusion Propulsion Will Work) The energy released in nuclear reactions is huge compared to that of a chemical reaction. In chemical reactions only the electrons which is located outside the nucleus is taking part whereas in a nuclear reaction, the nucleons (protons and neutron) which is located inside the nucleus is taking part. The binding energy of the nucleons is much large compared to that of the electrons and hence the amount of energy liberated from a nuclear reaction is huge. (Nuclear Fusion) Nuclear Fission v Nuclear Fusion 6 Nuclear fission vs nuclear fusion The amount of energy liberated in fusion is more compared to that of fission. It is easy to execute nuclear fission artificially compared to nuclear fusion. In nuclear fission a heavy nucleus is used for the splitting (fission) process whereas in nuclear fusion two light nuclei were used for the fusion process. Nuclear fusion is naturally occurring in the universe. For example the energy liberation process in stars is mainly due to nuclear fusion. But nuclear fission may not take place naturally in the universe. The element required for nuclear fission is rare on earth (Uranium) where as the elements required for fusion is largely available in the universe. (Hydrogen) Since the nuclear fusion fuel, U235 is a non renewable energy source; its amount on earth is being exhausted rapidly. But the main fuel required for fusion purpose, the hydrogen and its isotopes are largely available on earth and in the universe. Nuclear fusion can be considered as the future energy source. Advantages and Disadvantages When we consider the amount of energy liberated in nuclear reactions, it should be considered as the main energy source. It can supply heavy amount of energy compared to other conventional sources. The elements required for fusion process is largely available on earth and also in other planets. It is easy to manage all our energy needs for billions of years if we able to control the fusion reaction artificially The main concern about nuclear energy is the dangerous radiations coming out of the nuclear waste. It is not easy to dispose the nuclear waste because of these radiations. On the Nuclear Fission v Nuclear Fusion 7 other hand these reactions can be utilized for making atom bombs and hydrogen bombs which can even destroy the entire human generation from the earth. The possible misuse and the harmful radiations coming out from the nuclear waste are the main disadvantages of these nuclear reactions. Recommendations Since nuclear energy is considered as the future energy sources, all the countries must reach an agreement in avoiding the usage of nuclear technologies like fusion and fission for military purposes. The usage of nuclear energy must be restricted to industrial growth alone. Some reports shows that some countries are planning to dispose the nuclear waste in the outer universe. Such things must be decided only after a careful evaluation of the future consequences. Since the disposal of nuclear waste is a great issue, all the countries must reach an agreement on such things also. Conclusion Nuclear energy is the future energy source. It can provide energy for thousands of years if used judiciously. The energy available through nuclear fusion technologies have definite edge over that from nuclear fission because of the excess availability of materials required for fusion on earth and in the universe. The main disadvantage of nuclear energy is the disposal of waste formed at the time of energy generation through these processes. But at the same time it can be misused also. Like all other inventories in science the potential for misuse in nuclear energy sector is also immense. Nuclear Fission v Nuclear Fusion 8 References 1. Basic Nuclear Fission, Retrieved on March 9, 2009 from http://library.thinkquest.org/17940/texts/fission/fission.html 2. Nuclear Fission, Retrieved on March 9, 2009 from http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/HBASE/nucene/fission.html 3. Nuclear Fission: Basics, Retrieved on March 9, 2009 from http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.atomicarchive.com/Fission/Images/fission.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.atomicarchive.com/Fission/Fission1.shtml&h=226&w=360&sz=13&tbnid=XEFCWoaQmiEDqM::&tbnh=76&tbnw=121&prev=/images%3Fq%3DNuclear%2BFission&hl=en&usg=__Ff3I8suQt9OQTjyjxyRHWu1uGcI=&ei=-im1SeiCOom9kAX20uCtBA&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=6&ct=image&cd=1 4. How Fusion Propulsion Will Work, Retrieved on March 9, 2009 from http://science.howstuffworks.com/fusion-propulsion1.htm 5. Nuclear Fusion, Retrieved on March 9, 2009 from http://www.atomicarchive.com/Fusion/Fusion1.shtml Read More