Final answer:
Nuclear fusion is the fusing of two or more smaller atoms into a larger one, while nuclear fission is the splitting of an atom into two or more smaller ones. Fusion reactions are more efficient and require lighter elements compared to fission reactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nuclear fusion and nuclear fission are two different types of energy-releasing reactions in which energy is released from high-powered atomic bonds between the particles within the nucleus. The main difference between these two processes is that fission is the splitting of an atom into two or more smaller ones while fusion is the fusing of two or more smaller atoms into a larger one.
In creating energy by combining atomic nuclei, the fusion reaction holds many advantages over fission. First, fusion reactions are more efficient, releasing 3 to 4 times more energy than fission per gram of fuel. Furthermore, unlike fission reactions that require heavy elements like uranium that are difficult to obtain, fusion requires light elements that are abundant in nature.