State three advantages of nuclear fusion over nuclear fission as a potential source of energy

Greater Energy Output:

• Efficiency: Fusion reactions release significantly more energy than fission reactions. For example, the fusion of hydrogen isotopes to form helium releases much more energy than the fission of uranium or plutonium.
• Fuel Abundance: Fusion fuels, such as isotopes of hydrogen (deuterium and tritium), are abundant and can be extracted from water, making fusion a more sustainable long-term energy source.

Reduced Radioactive Waste:

• Shorter-lived Waste: Fusion produces less long-lived radioactive waste compared to fission. Most of the by-products of fusion reactions are less hazardous and have shorter half-lives, making waste management easier.
• No High-Level Waste: Fusion does not produce high-level radioactive waste, such as spent nuclear fuel, which is a significant challenge in fission reactors.

Enhanced Safety:

• Inherent Safety: Fusion reactions require extremely high temperatures and pressures to sustain. If any disturbance occurs, the reaction stops immediately, reducing the risk of runaway reactions or meltdowns.
• No Chain Reactions: Unlike fission, fusion does not involve chain reactions, which makes it inherently safer. There is no risk of a chain reaction getting out of control.

Dr. Bbosa Science