Fusion bombs |
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Before we continue it is important to distinguish between fusion and fission reactions. A fission reaction is one where an atomic nucleus splits in two and a fusion reaction is one where two nuclei fuse into one. Both type of reactions produce a great deal of energy. Nuclear fusion devices are sometimes known as hydrogen bombs or thermonuclear bombs. A fusion reaction delivers almost 2.5 times more energy than a fission reaction. |
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| Nuclear fusion creates a great deal of energy. Thermonuclear devices or H-bombs use a nuclear fusion reaction between hydrogen isotopes, namely deuterium and tritium. In this reaction the two isotopes fuse to form helium and a single neutron, as shown on the right. |
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| When the two isotopes fuse the end products weigh a little less than the sum of both isotopes before the reaction. The difference in mass is transformed into energy according to the formula E = mc2 |
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