Part 3/12:
Fusion combines light nuclei, such as deuterium (a heavier isotope of hydrogen) and helium-3, releasing energy as described by Einstein’s equation, E=MC². The process overcomes the electromagnetic repulsion of positively charged nuclei by heating fuel to over 100 million degrees Celsius, creating a plasma where nuclei can fuse.
Conversely, fission relies on unstable heavy elements that break apart, releasing energy. Its chain reactions are self-sustaining and can occur at relatively low temperatures but pose significant safety, waste, and proliferation concerns.