Question

What are the two processes by which nuclear energy is released? Briefly describe the processes.

short paragraph

Answer 1

Nuclear energy is released in two ways: fission and fusion. In fission, a heavy nucleus (like uranium or plutonium) splits into smaller nuclei when struck by a neutron, releasing neutrons, heat, and a large amount of energy that can sustain a chain reaction (used in nuclear reactors and atomic bombs). In fusion, light nuclei (such as hydrogen isotopes) combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing even more energy per unit mass—this is the process that powers the Sun and hydrogen bombs but requires extremely high temperatures and pressures to overcome electrostatic repulsion. Both processes convert a small amount of mass into energy according to E = mc².