Download THE SUN: Fusion, Fission and Combustion

Earth & Environmental Science
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Fusion- Combining of nuclei
Fission- Splitting of a nucleus
Combustion- Chemical reaction in which
an atom combines with oxygen
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Fusion
 Uses small, light atoms like Hydrogen
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Fission
 Uses large, heavy atoms like Uranium
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Combustion
 Uses any substance that will react with Oxygen
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Fusion
 Requires great heat and pressure
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Fission
 Starts when a neutron strikes the nucleus and
causes it to split. More neutrons are released
causing a chain reaction.
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Combustion
 Requires small amount of energy to activate the
reaction.
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Fusion
 Releases large amounts of energy. Mass is
converted to energy.
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Fission
 Releases large amounts of energy. Mass is
converted to energy.
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Combustion
 Releases smaller amounts of energy that are
present in the bonds between atoms. Reactants
start at a higher energy level than products.
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Fusion
 Does not explode because there is no chain
reaction
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Fission
 Can explode because of chain reaction
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Combustion
 Once started, heat from combustion will keep the
reaction going as long as the reactants are
present.
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Fusion
 Happens in core of a star. Can happen briefly in a
laboratory. Happens in a hydrogen bomb.
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Fission
 Happens in nuclear power plants. Happens in an
atomic bomb.
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Combustion
 Happens any time there is a fire. Can also happen
slowly as in the case of something rusting.