Question by frostwizrd: How do fission and fusion produce energy?
I’ve come to understand that in fission, the nucleus of an atom such as U-238 splits, and some mass is converted into energy, which brings Einstein’s famous equation into play. But what mass is converted into energy exactly?
Also, with fusion, I’ve come to understand that two atoms such as deuterium collide with incredible force and their nucleii basically fuse to create a heavier element such as helium. But is there mass loss in that reaction as well? Where exactly does the energy come from in that fusion?
Best answer:
Answer by kpt
In case of fission one atom splits into 2 and some mass is lost in the process. But in case of fusion 2 or more atom combine and some mass is lost. That mass gets converted to energy.
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