# Fusion terminology

by Khashishi
Tags: fusion, terminology
 P: 886 Ok, I am a fusion physicist, but I still don't know what the strict criterion is for calling a nuclear reaction a fusion reaction. Yes, it's a collision between two nuclei that results in a bigger nucleus. But, then $^{11}B + ^{1}H \rightarrow 3 \alpha$ is usually called a fusion reaction. Isn't it more like fission? Is it called fusion because most of the energy released comes from the low binding energy of hydrogen-1?
 Math Emeritus Sci Advisor Thanks PF Gold P: 39,327 $^{11}B+ ^1H\rightarrow 3\alpha$ starts with two particles (on the left) and ends with one particle (on the right). Isn't that what "fusion" means?
P: 688
 Quote by HallsofIvy $^{11}B+ ^1H\rightarrow 3\alpha$ starts with two particles (on the left) and ends with one particle (on the right). Isn't that what "fusion" means?
$^{11}B+ ^1H\rightarrow \alpha + \alpha + \alpha$

 Quote by Bandersnatch $^{11}B+ ^1H\rightarrow \alpha + \alpha + \alpha$ How about now?