Nuclear Fission

The splitting of a heavy nucleus into lighter nuclei. This process releases massive amounts of energy (and neutrons).// CLICK BACKGROUND TO TRIGGER REACTION

ENERGY RELEASE
E=Δmc2E = \Delta mc^2

Strong Force

Protons repel each other electrically, but the Strong Nuclear Force glues them together. It is 137x stronger than electromagnetism but only works at ranges of 10−15m10^{-15}m.

GLUONS
MESONS

Nuclear Fusion

POWERING THE STARS

Combining light nuclei to form heavier ones. Requires immense heat and pressure to overcome the Coulomb barrier.

STANDARD MODEL

Quark
Up Quark
CHARGE+2/3
MASS2.2 MeV