fusion vs fission

Question

Energy production mechanism: fusion of light nuclei and fission of heavy both release energy because?

RankGuru · Accepted Answer

1. **Energy Principle**: In any nuclear reaction, energy is released if the product nuclei are more stable (have higher binding energy per nucleon) than the reactants.
2. **Peak Stability**: The average binding energy per nucleon peaks at iron ($A \approx 56$).
3. **Fusion**: Light nuclei join to form a heavier nucleus closer to the peak. $BE/A$ increases $\implies$ Energy is released.
4. **Fission**: A heavy nucleus splits into smaller fragments closer to the peak. $BE/A$ increases $\implies$ Energy is released.
5. **Conclusion**: Both processes move the system toward a state of **higher binding energy per nucleon**.

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fusion vs fission

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