Power from both fusion and fission?

In summary, the experts explain that the only ways to generate power from atoms are through fusion or fission. However, this raises the question of why both methods are necessary. Upon further consideration, it is realized that fusion can only produce power up to iron, while fission can only produce power down to iron. This is due to the high binding energy of iron and nickel, making them the most efficient elements for power generation.
  • #1
Jonnyb42
186
0
I haven't thought about it TOO much, but it seems that you should only get power from either fusing atoms or splitting (fissing?) them, but how come both? Wouldn't that mean you could continually fuse and split atoms for continual energy gain?

(My currrent thought against that is, that you can fuse hydrogen to any element, but cannot split heaver elements all the way down to hydrogen.
That "continual" process would end in Iron or something like that?)
 
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  • #2
Fusion will only result in net power output up to iron, and fission will only result in net power output down to about iron. This is because Iron and Nickel have the highest binding energy of all the elements.

See here for more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_binding_energy
 
  • #3
I see, thanks.
 

1. What is the difference between fusion and fission?

Fusion is the process of combining two or more atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, while fission is the process of splitting a heavy nucleus into smaller, lighter nuclei.

2. How does fusion produce energy?

Fusion releases energy when the nuclei of two atoms combine, forming a new and heavier nucleus. This new nucleus has less mass than the combined mass of the original nuclei, and the difference in mass is converted into energy according to Einstein's famous equation, E=mc².

3. What are the advantages of fusion over fission?

Fusion has several advantages over fission, including: using widely available fuel (hydrogen isotopes) instead of rare and dangerous elements; producing less radioactive waste; and being inherently safer due to the lack of a chain reaction and potential for meltdowns.

4. How is power generated from fission and fusion?

In fission, power is generated by the splitting of atoms in a controlled nuclear reaction, which heats water to produce steam that turns turbines and generates electricity. In fusion, power is generated by the heat released from the fusion reaction, which can also be used to heat water and turn turbines.

5. What are the current challenges for using fusion as a source of power?

There are several challenges for using fusion as a source of power, including: the need for extremely high temperatures and pressures to initiate and sustain the fusion reaction; the difficulty in containing and controlling the extremely hot plasma; and the high cost and complexity of building and maintaining fusion reactors.

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