Consider the following statements with respect to Nuclear Fusion and Nuclear Fission:

While fission reactors are common, fusion reactors are not economically viable currently

Fission produces Nuclear fusion by-products Fusion produces Fission by-products

Which among the above statements is/ are correct?

Question

While fission reactors are common, fusion reactors are not economically viable currently: This statement is correct. Nuclear fission reactors are well-established and widely used to generate electricity in several countries. They operate by splitting the nucleus of an atom into smaller fragments, releasing a large amount of energy. However, as of the current technology level, nuclear fusion reactors are not yet economically viable for large-scale power generation. While significant progress has been made in fusion research, including experiments like tokamaks and stellarators, achieving a self-sustaining and commercially feasible fusion reactor remains a challenging goal.

Fission produces Nuclear fusion by-products, Fusion produces Fission by-products: This statement is incorrect. Fission and fusion are two different nuclear processes with distinct by-products. In nuclear fission, the nucleus of a heavy atom (such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239) is split into smaller fragments, along with the release of energy. The primary by-products of fission are typically radioactive isotopes of lighter elements, such as cesium, strontium, and iodine, among others. In nuclear fusion, lighter nuclei (e.g., isotopes of hydrogen) combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a tremendous amount of energy. The primary by-product of fusion is helium, which is an inert gas and not radioactive. There are also no long-lived radioactive waste products generated directly from the fusion process itself.

Thus, only the first statement is correct, and the second statement is incorrect.

GKToday Admin · Accepted Answer

Only 1 is correct

While fission reactors are common, fusion reactors are not economically viable currently: This statement is correct. Nuclear fission reactors are well-established and widely used to generate electricity in several countries. They operate by splitting the nucleus of an atom into smaller fragments, releasing a large amount of energy. However, as of the current technology level, nuclear fusion reactors are not yet economically viable for large-scale power generation. While significant progress has been made in fusion research, including experiments like tokamaks and stellarators, achieving a self-sustaining and commercially feasible fusion reactor remains a challenging goal.

Fission produces Nuclear fusion by-products, Fusion produces Fission by-products: This statement is incorrect. Fission and fusion are two different nuclear processes with distinct by-products. In nuclear fission, the nucleus of a heavy atom (such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239) is split into smaller fragments, along with the release of energy. The primary by-products of fission are typically radioactive isotopes of lighter elements, such as cesium, strontium, and iodine, among others. In nuclear fusion, lighter nuclei (e.g., isotopes of hydrogen) combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a tremendous amount of energy. The primary by-product of fusion is helium, which is an inert gas and not radioactive. There are also no long-lived radioactive waste products generated directly from the fusion process itself.

Thus, only the first statement is correct, and the second statement is incorrect.