Background Information Isotopes of elements having atomic numbers greater than 80 are capable of undergoing fission. In nuclear fission, the nucleus splits apart generating enormous amounts of energy. When uranium 235 absorbs a neutron, fission can occur and it breaks apart to produce two smaller nuclei, several neutrons, and a great amount of energy. A chain reaction is produced as fission continues and the neutrons emitted bombard more uranium 235 nuclei.
Fission is utilized in nuclear power plants and weapons.
Fusion is the joining of two light nuclei to produce a heavier one. Fusion is the process that powers the sun and the stars. To make fusion occur, the atoms must be heated to very high temperatures to have sufficient energy to fuse. Scientists are trying to develop practical ways to use fusion for electric power generation. If successful, the energy source would be environmentally friendly, producing no combustion products or greenhouse gases.