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Nuclear Fusion Vs Nuclear Radiation

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Each atom of a particle element the majority of the time look and behave the same as any other atom of the same element. When comparing two atoms of Carbon for example, they both contain the same number of protons and electrons. In this case the both contain 6 protons. The equal number of protons and neutrons in this atom creates stability in its nucleus. The two atoms of carbon also have the same mass, approximately 12 amu, but like all things in nature there are exceptions. A different atom of carbon can contain 8 neutrons in its nucleus for every 6 protons. When an atom of an element contains more or less neutrons to protons an unstable environment is now created in the atom which is called a radioactive isotope. The loss of a neutron in the nucleus of an atom emits energy which can also be referred to as radiation. What makes these radioactive isotopes so different between stable atoms is the energy that is released through the loss of the extra neutron in the atom in an attempt to stabilize. This energy that is released in this everyday phenomenon has become quiet helpful as we find uses for it in our everyday lives. Radiation has quickly become on the most influential aspects of modern medicine. One aspect of medicine that has been greatly affected by the discovery and …show more content…

Nuclear fusion occurs in the nucleuses of two elements that have somewhat light masses. The nucleuses of these two elements are brought together at extremely high speeds to ultimately create the new nucleus of a new element. Very few radioactive particles are created through this process, it also mostly takes place in the stars. Where as in nuclear fission, the nucleus of a heavy atom is split into two smaller nuclei. During this process the loss of neutrons releases energy in the form of gamma rays. This process rarely occurs in nature due to the force require to split an

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