Atomic StructureTopic Summary
Topic Summary: Nuclear Fission and Fusion
Part of Nuclear Fission & Fusion — GCSE Physics
This topic summary covers Topic Summary: Nuclear Fission and Fusion within Nuclear Fission & Fusion for GCSE Physics. Revise Nuclear Fission & Fusion in Atomic Structure for GCSE Physics with 13 exam-style questions and 25 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 18 of 18 in this topic. Use this topic summary to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 18 of 18
Practice
13 questions
Recall
25 flashcards
Topic Summary: Nuclear Fission and Fusion
Key Terms
- Fission: Splitting heavy nucleus
- Fusion: Joining light nuclei
- Chain reaction: Each fission triggers more
- Moderator: Slows neutrons (graphite/water)
- Control rods: Absorb neutrons (boron)
Fission Facts
- Fuel: uranium-235 or plutonium-239
- Releases 2–3 neutrons per fission
- Controlled = power station
- Uncontrolled = nuclear bomb
- Produces radioactive waste
Fusion Facts
- Fuel: deuterium + tritium
- Requires 100+ million °C
- Powers the Sun and stars
- Products: helium (non-radioactive)
- Not yet commercially available
Exam Tips
- E = mc² — mass converts to energy
- Moderator slows; control rods absorb
- Fission = split; fusion = join
- Fusion cleaner but far harder to achieve