Lesson 4.02 Nuclear Fission and Fusion

• Introduction
• Learn
• Try It
• Task

Introduction

There are two types of nuclear reactions:

• Nuclear fission
• Nuclear fusion

When the number of neutrons is much greater than the number of protons, a nucleus becomes unstable. Nuclear fission can occur in high-mass nuclei, whereas nuclear fusion occurs in nuclei of lower mass. Both of these reactions release tremendous amounts of energy. In this lesson, you will learn more about each process.

 

Lesson Objectives

Following successful completion of this lesson, students will be able to... Distinguish between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion. Enduring Understandings A strong nuclear force holds all atoms together. The above objectives correspond with the Alabama Course of Study: Physical Science standards: 6 This lesson incorporates the following Literacy Standards: R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R10, W1, W2, W3, W4, W9, and W10.