What is the difference between Fusion and Fission?

Aside from the fact that fission and fusion are two types of reactions that are followed by the release of energy, the two reactions are not the same. Fission is a process that involves the splitting of the nucleus of an atom into smaller particles. In contrast, fusion is a reaction that involves the joining together of two or more atomic nuclei to form a massive one. Fission occurs mostly with heavy elements so that when they split, they end up forming lighter elements or particles.

For fusion, this reaction exists mainly between lighter elements to make a larger one. The mechanism behind the occurrence of a fusion reaction requires that the existing force between the nuclei is strong enough to overcome the electrostatic force that holds it. In the case of a fission reaction, this reaction requires the activation of a slow neutron and the presence of a very large mass before the reaction can be initiated. Out of the two, the energy produced by fusion is greater than that of fission.