1. Nuclear Fusion vs. Nuclear Fission
By Eleni Pitses

2. E=mc²
This idea was established by Albert Einstein, one of the most influential physicists in history
It can be thought of as a conversion factor.

3. E=mc²
In early chemistry/physics classes, students are taught that mass is never lost or gained…
However, very small amounts of mass can be lost, and therefore they will be converted into very large amounts of energy…. (Lampe).

4. 2 E=mc Number of units of mass Speed of light This much energy
Amount of Energy
This much mass

5. Nuclear Fission
Nuclear fission is the process by which energy is produced when large atoms (such as Uranium) are split.
The sum of the masses of the components is less than that of the original nucleus, therefore (according to E=mc^2) vast amounts of energy are yielded.

6. Nuclear Fusion
Nuclear fusion is the process by which two small nuclei (such as hydrogen) fuse to form a larger nucleus.
The mass of the product is less than the mass of the components; massive amounts of energy are released
Fusion reactions power the sun and the stars.
The environment must be as hot as the sun for a fusion reaction to take place. “Cold” fusion is being pursued

7. Pros and Cons of Fission
The technology is very similar to that of a nuclear bomb (trust issue)
There is a risk of nuclear meltdown
Large quantities of radioactive waste must be properly disposed of
Dangerous radiation is released from fission plants (as neutrons are released).
The initial cost of building a plant is very high.
Cannot provide for all of the world’s energy needs; the need for fossil fuels is still existent. (Caldicott)
Technology is already available (Newton, Nuclear Power)

8. Pros and Cons of Fusion
Has the potential to create unlimited energy for the world; therefore less need for environmentally harmful fossil fuels
Only biproduct= helium
Significant scientific obstacles
Very expensive

9. Fusion Obstacles…
In order for the atoms to collide and fuse, they need to be moving very fast.
Since protons have similar charges, they naturally repel each other.
Immense heat and pressure (such as that on the sun) is needed for fusion to take place.
“Cold” fusion is being pursued…
Talk more about cold fusion…

10. Picture from EPA

11. Adverse Effects of other energy sources
Coal: mining permanently damages land, releases chemicals such as sulfur dioxide
The world’s resources, such as coal and oil, may be exhausted.
“At current rates of use, known gas reserves will be used up in about 40 years”(Fossil Fuels 2).
As of 2001, “oil currently supplies about 40% of all commercial energy use, while coal contributes about 22%” (Fossil Fuels 3).

12. Conclusion…
Therefore (although the road to developing a fusion plant is very long, expensive, and difficult) for the well-being of our planet and for future generations, nuclear fusion should be pursued for energy.

13. Works Cited
Caldicott, Helen. Nuclear Power is Not the Answer. New York: The New Press, 2006.
Print.
Seife, Charles. Sun in a Bottle. New York, NY: Penguin Group, Print.
"Possible Future Energy Sources." Alternative Energy. Ed. Neil Schlager and Jayne
Weisblatt. Vol. 3: Water Energy, Wind Energy, Energy Conservation and Efficiency, Possible Future Energy Sources. Detroit: UXL, Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 28 Apr. 2010
Newton, David. "Nuclear Power." 2. (2003): n. pag. Web. 19 Apr 2010.
"Fossil Fuels." Gale Encyclopedia of Science Web.
Lee, Lerner. "Nuclear Fusion." World of Earth Science 2. (2003): Web. 13 Apr
2010.
"Fusion Reactor." Encyclopedia Britannica. Web.
Newton, David. "Nuclear Fusion." Environmental Encyclopedia Detroit: 2003.
Web.
Lampe, Ben. Personal Interview. 19 April. 2010
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA.gov)