0

I've read several other answers on here, but I still don't understand. Why do both fission and fusion release energy? I know the masses drop, but then why do the masses drop on both? Fusion is taking two small nuclei, adding them together, and creating a bigger atom, why should this bigger atom have less energy? Is it because more of the mass gets stored in the strong force? Then what determines how much energy is released? The same goes for fission. A larger molecules being broke apart will approach a more stable max-energy-per-interaction form. This means that more energy should go into the bonds (I think) which would mean less mass, but still why does energy get released, and not just simply into the bonds?

Qmechanic
  • 201,751
  • 1
    I'm pretty sure you've been pointed at one of http://physics.stackexchange.com/q/961/ http://physics.stackexchange.com/q/68145/ http://physics.stackexchange.com/q/26059/ before, but if not (and indeed, if so) do read them. Oh, and http://physics.stackexchange.com/q/10186. – dmckee --- ex-moderator kitten Aug 05 '13 at 02:33
  • With low atomic number elements there is a lower mass per nucleon as you increase the atomic number. With high atomic numbers it's the reverse: you lose mass as you go to lower atomic numbers. The mass lost (in fusion or fission) is converted to energy. The cut-off between the two is at Iron. That's why stars can create elements up to Iron with fusion, but you need a supernova to provide the extra energy for heavier elements. – hdhondt Aug 05 '13 at 11:11

0 Answers0