Fission vs. Fusion

Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion are both energy-releasing reactions that come from the high-powered atomic bonds between particles in the nucleus. Fission is the splitting of the nucleus, whereas fusion is the joining of two nuclei. Fission requires considerably less energy than fusion to carry out, but also releases less energy than fusion. Both are used in nuclear weaponry.

Fission refers to splitting or breaking apart. In physics it refers to the splitting of an atom's nucleus (nuclear fission). Nuclear power plants use fission to create energy. Nuclear fission creates many radioactive particles. It is the source of energy for the atomic bomb.

Fusion refers to the blending or mixing of things. In physics it refers to a process that joins the nuclei of atoms (nuclear fusion). Nuclear fusion is the source of energy for the hydrogen bomb. It is in the experimental stages of energy production.