Chapter 8--Nuclear Force and Nuclear Energy

 the Nucleus is the center of an atom where all the protons and neutrons hang out

the Nuclear Force is the force between all the neutrons and protons.  It keeps the nucleus 
	together but only acts over a short distance  (the nucleus is small).  

Fission--One big nucleus is split (fissure) into smaller nuclei.  Uranium is often used in bombs
	or power plants.  Why is  it that something like Uranium is so much easier to split apart
	than say Helium?

Fussion--two or more small nuclei join together (fuse) to form a larger nuclei.  This is how
	the sun produces energy by combing (burning) Hydrogen into Helium.

In both fission and fussion we talk about releasing energy.  Where did this energy come from?
	Where does it go?  (the second question is tougher to answer)


Check out this spectacular page on Fission, Fusion, and Burning. 
This page uses the term "plasma", which is a really hot ionized gas.  To find out what this
means check out this page.