Nuclear reactions and their applications

[rojasharma]

Fission is a process in which a nucleus splits into two parts that are roughly the same size of the original nucleus. Tn fusion, two nuclei fuse, or combine, to form one nucleus. These reactions seem to be opposite to each other and yet both release large amounts of energy. Explain why this is not a contradiction. use the graph of binding energy per nuclean in your answer.

 

[Dick]

No, in fission the nucleus split into nuclei which are roughly the same size as each other, not the same size as the original nucleus. The minimum of the binding energy is near the mass of iron. Suppose the fusing nuclei have masses much less than iron. Suppose the fissioning nucleus has a mass much greater than iron. Use the graph of binding energy per nucleon to explain this.

 

[rojasharma]

still don;t get it:(

 

[mikelepore]

If the atomic number is less than iron, you release energy by combining them. If the atomic number is greater than iron, you release energy by splitting them.