Fusion and Fission Reactions

Fission: 

• Splitting apart the nucleus and releasing energy (heat).
• Radiation can be caused by a neutron striking it.
• More complex atoms are produced and are unstable and radioactive.
• This produces energy for nuclear power plants and nuclear weapons.

Fusion:

• Combining small nuclei by high-pressure and temperature.
• Produces new elements that are stable and non-radioactive
• This process powers active stars

Fission Example

Mass defect: when total mass is less than starting mass (missing mass is changed into energy)