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==Theory==
==Theory==
The science behind a nuclear fission device is [[Einstein]]'s equation <math>E= MC</math><sup>2</sup>. Spelled out, mass multiplied by the speed of light squared. This equation is the formula for the energy contained in an atom. This energy is released in a nuclear weapon when a speeding [[neutron]] collides with the atom, blasting it apart, and releasing the energy contained. In a nuclear weapon, the atom blasted apart then releases two other neutrons which collide with two other atoms. This keeps occuring until there are no atoms left to destroy. This is known as a nuclear chain reaction. In a nuclear fission power plant, however, the nuclear core is designed so that a chain reaction cannot occur, because there are not enough atoms for it.
The science behind a nuclear fission device is [[Einstein]]'s equation <math>E= MC</math><sup>2</sup>. Spelled out, mass multiplied by the speed of light squared. This equation is the formula for the energy contained in an atom. This energy is released in a nuclear weapon when a speeding [[neutron]] collides with the atom, blasting it apart, and releasing the bonding energy of the atom. In a nuclear weapon, the atom blasted apart then releases two other neutrons which collide with two other atoms. This keeps occuring until there are no atoms left to destroy. This is known as a nuclear chain reaction. In a nuclear fission power plant, however, the nuclear core is designed so that a chain reaction cannot occur, because there are not enough atoms for it.
Nuclear fusion, on the other hand, is based on putting atoms together, as opposed to breaking them appart in fission.
Nuclear fusion, on the other hand, is based on putting atoms together, as opposed to breaking them apart in fission, heavier atoms often require less bonding energy than the combined original bonding energies of the fusing lighter atoms.
==Weapon==
==Weapon==
Nuclear fission has existed for power over fifty years, starting in the [[Soviet Union]]. It currently supplies electricity to many of the nations of the world. The nuclear industry was booming in the 1960's and 1970's, but after fiascos such as Three Mile Island and Chernobyl nuclear construction has died down.
Nuclear fission has existed for power over fifty years, starting in the [[Soviet Union]]. It currently supplies electricity to many of the nations of the world. The nuclear industry was booming in the 1960's and 1970's, but after fiascos such as Three Mile Island and Chernobyl nuclear construction has died down.
Nuclear fusion, due to its less dangerous nature, has been sought vigorously, but the end result in every try has been less energy resulting in the reaction than was gotten out of it. The intense heat that is necessary for such a reaction to occur is the reason for this. Nevertheless, countries still invest liberally in nuclear fusion energy programs in the hope that someday they may become viable.
Nuclear fusion, due to its less dangerous nature, and it being a clean energy source, has been sought vigorously, but the end result in every try has been less energy resulting in the reaction than was gotten out of it. The intense heat that is necessary for such a reaction to occur is the reason for this. Nevertheless, several countries still invest heavily in nuclear fusion energy programs in the hope that someday they may become viable.
==Culture==
==Culture==