Nuclear Power

At the centre of every atom is a tiny powerhouse called a nucleus. Strong forces hold particles called protons and neutrons together inside the nucleus.In nuclear reactions, atomic nuclei split apart(FISSION) or join together(FUSION), rearranging the forces between the particles and releasing huge amount of energy called nuclear power.

<---- This is FUSION Reaction

The joining together of two nuclei is called nuclear fusion.Only light elements-those with few protons and neutrons in their nuclei-can take part in nuclear fusion reactions. At very high temperatures, 2 hydrogens nuclei smash together and form a heavier helium nucleus, releasing energy and expelling a neutron. Fusion reactions occur in the sun and other stars.

<----This is FISSION Reaction

When the nucleus of an atom splits apart it is called nuclear fission. Some heavy elements have unstable nuclei that can be made to split

by bombarding them with neutrons. As the nuclei split, they release energy and more neutrons, which may strike other nuclei and start a chain reaction.