Comparision of Fission and Fusion Processes

Conversion Factors: 1 G of matter converted = 9.0 X 10²⁰ ergs = 9.0 X 10¹³ J = 2.15 X 10¹⁰ Cal.

Atomic Masses:

Typical Fission:

Mass defect=0.2127 G per mol of U-235 =1.9 X 10²⁰ ergs = 4.6 X 10⁹ Cal.

Mass defect per gram of reactant (U-235)= 9.0 X 10^Ü4 G destroyed per gram of reactants. This equals 1.94 X10⁷ Cal produced per gram of reactant.

Fusion Process #1:

Mass defect=0.02560 G per 2 mols of H².
This is equal to 2.3 X 10¹⁹ ergs = 5.5 X 10⁸ Cal.
Mass defect per gram of reactant (H²) equals 0.0064 G. This equals 1.4 X 10⁸ Cal.
Ratio of energy produced=

Fusion Process #2:

Mass defect=0.01863 G per mol of Lithium. This equals =1.7 X 10¹⁹ ergs = 4.0 X 10⁸ Cal.

The mass defect per gram of reactant = 0.0023 G.

Ratio of energy produced =

I use this to show why the Hydrogen Bomb is more distructive than the Atomic Bomb. It can also be used to show why fusion reactors are preferred over fission reactors: more energy and less "radioactive ash"

Calculations are done in dietary calories (Calories) to help students relate the energy to something they are familar with.

Questions? Comments??

Revised on: 09/15/2003 at 15:29:50