Comparing Nuclear Fission and Nuclear Fusion as an Alternative Source of Energy

Comparing Nuclear Fission and Nuclear Fusion as an Alternative Source of Energy

The purpose of this research project was to explore alternate nuclear energy sources. The nuclear energy sources that were examined were fission and fusion. From the research that was done, pros and cons were found for each type of nuclear energy. Fission, being an established technology for energy, posed an economical advantage; however, the waste that is given off from these reactions is a great environmental detriment. Fusion reactors are newer nuclear energy sources, thus they are more costly, but their lack of radioactive waste gives fusion an environmental advantage. Given that both reactions have positive and negative sides to them, it was determined that the best option would be a fission-fusion hybrid where the fusion reaction’s neutrons fuels the fission reaction.