It has
been seen in the curve of binding energy per nucleon vs Atomic Number that binding energy per nucleon a long flat middle region between A
= 30 and A = 170.
In this region the binding energy per nucleon is nearly constant (8.0 MeV). For the lighter nuclei region, A < 30, and for the heavier nuclei region, A > 170, the binding energy per nucleon is less than 8.0 MeV. This feature of the binding energy curve means that nuclei in the middle region 30 < A <170 are more tightly bound than nuclei with A < 30 and A > 170.
Energy then can be released if lighter nuclei or heavier nuclei are transmuted into more tightly bound nuclei. Two such processes are fission and fusion.
In this region the binding energy per nucleon is nearly constant (8.0 MeV). For the lighter nuclei region, A < 30, and for the heavier nuclei region, A > 170, the binding energy per nucleon is less than 8.0 MeV. This feature of the binding energy curve means that nuclei in the middle region 30 < A <170 are more tightly bound than nuclei with A < 30 and A > 170.
Energy then can be released if lighter nuclei or heavier nuclei are transmuted into more tightly bound nuclei. Two such processes are fission and fusion.
Nuclear fission
 |
| Nuclear fission of U235 |
Nuclear fission is the process in which a large nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei with the release of energy.
Example: if 92U235
bombarded with a neutron (0n1) the Uranium nucleus
may splits into two nuclei like 56Ba141 and 36Kr92.
As a result of this fission three neutrons (0n1) and 200
MeV are released.
Equation: 0n1 + 92U235 -------> 56Ba141 + 36Kr92 + 3 0n1 + 200MeV
Nuclear fusion
 |
| Nuclear Fusion of deuterium (1H2) and tritium (1H3) |
Nuclear fusion is the process in which two small nuclei are combined
to form a larger nucleus with the release of energy.
Example: If deuterium
(1H2) and tritium (1H3), two
isotopes of hydrogen, are fused to form a nucleus of helium (2He4)
and a neutron (0n1). This fusion releases 17.59 MeV of
energy.
Equation : 1H2 + 1H3 ---------> 2He4 + 0n1 + 17.59 MeV
