Nuclear fission, is separation or the break up of a sub-atomic nucleus. This process is rare in nature, though does indeed occur on earth. However, the fission reactions that occur on earth(there are only three site, located in Africa where it occurs), are significantly slower. These are caused by water seepage into underground uranium deposits, the reactions take thousands upon thousands of years, in contrast to man made nuclear weapons that release energy in a matter of nano-seconds I am going to refrain from listing the long confusing of the isotopes and atoms, which would create confusion. Nuclear fission is obtained by splitting the atom of plutonium by bombarding uranium particles at the nucleus. The process creates a nuclear chain reaction. A useful comparison, is an avalanche traveling down a mountain. As the avalanche picks up speed it dislodges oth
er rocks and rapidly becomes larger. The same can be said for a chain reaction. Fission reactions usually amount to more fallout, and less energy being released in the blast. Fusion reactions are more effective
Fusion reaction is a self explanatory term. It is the fusion of heavy sub-atomic particles. In nuclear fusion, heavier particles are used in the reaction creating a much more energetic reaction then in nuclear fission. Both processes can be harnessed to create an tremendously powerful reaction. This process is known is the Teller-Ulam process or design(A.K.A hydrogen bomb), named after the two scientists who formulated the method. This is the design that most modern nukes are modeled after.
(below)A fission reaction pressurizes the core of the fusion component. Then a nuclear fusion reaction takes place, detonating the bomb. In pure fission bombs, there is a limit to how much material you can pack into bomb before it explodes. There is is no theoretical limit to this design.
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