physics

Question

1- Compare and contrast how the change in binding energy is achieved for fusion versus fisson.

 

2- Compare and contrast the relative size of the nuclie used as a fuel source for fusion versus fisson.

 

3- Compare and contrast the abundance of the fuel source required for fusion versus fisson.

Answer 1

(1)

Nuclear binding energy is the energy required to split the nucleus of an atom into its component parts.

The component parts are neutrons  and protons , which are collectively called nucleons .

The binding energy can be calculated from the Einstein relationship .

Nuclear binding energy = Δmc^{2 .}

The atomic nucleus is most stable when binding energies between particles are strongest.

For lighter atomic nuclei, energy can be extracted by combining these nuclei together, a process known as nuclear fusion .

For nuclei heavier than those of iron or nickel, energy can be extracted by splitting them apart in a process called nuclear fission.

The energy released by fission is a million times greater than that released in chemical reactions, but lower than the energy released by nuclear fusion.

The energy released by fusion is three to four times greater than the energy released by fission.

Answer 2

(2)

Uranium is the primary fuel used in power plants for nuclear fission .

Hydrogen isotopes (Deuterium and Tritium) are the primary fuel used in experimental fusion power plants.

 

Answer 3

(3)

Availability of fuel is a one of the important factor when dealing with nuclear power.

Nuclear Fission:

Fission requires an element that can be easily split in a particle accelerator, such as uranium or plutonium.

Uranium ores occur naturally in many parts of the world but must go through a costly purification process before it is used as fuel.

The unprocessed ore contains approximately 99.3% uranium-238, a non-fissionable isotope of uranium, and only about 0.7% of U-235 required for fission

Uranium-235 is a non-renewable resource that will eventually run out, much like the fossil fuels.

Nuclear Fusion:

Fusion uses isotopes of hydrogen atoms, specifically deuterium and tritium, that can be obtained from ordinary water.

One hydrogen atom out of 6700 appears as deuterium, a naturally occurring isotope of hydrogen with an extra neutron, and can easily be separated from the rest. The abundance of deuterium and lithium provide a virtually unlimited supply of fuel for nuclear fusion.

Therefore, nuclear fusion seems to be the better choice.