# Compare nuclear fusion and nuclear fission as energy sources. In your answer, refer to the fuels used, the conditions required, and the type of waste produced.

> Eduqas A-Level Physics — 3.6 Nuclear energy · Compare · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Fusion uses light nuclei (e.g. hydrogen isotopes) as fuel whereas fission uses heavy nuclei (e.g. uranium) as fuel
2. Fusion requires extremely high temperatures (and pressures) to occur
3. Fission can occur at much lower temperatures / fission is triggered by a neutron striking a nucleus
4. Fission produces radioactive waste that remains dangerous for a long time
5. Fusion produces little or no long-lived radioactive waste (products are largely helium / non-radioactive)

## Key terms

- [nuclear fusion](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/nuclear-fusion)
- [nuclear fission](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/nuclear-fission)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas A-Level Physics](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/compare-nuclear-fusion-and-nuclear-fission-f0e7dfaa) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.