What is one main advantage of nuclear fusion compared to nuclear fission?

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The main advantage of nuclear fusion compared to nuclear fission is the production of significantly less radioactive waste. In nuclear fusion, two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, which primarily generates helium – a non-toxic and non-radioactive byproduct. This contrasts with nuclear fission, where heavy atomic nuclei split into lighter nuclei, often leading to the creation of various radioactive fission products that require careful management and long-term storage.

While nuclear fusion does have a higher energy yield and potentially offers a more sustainable power source, the key benefit of less radioactive waste is crucial in addressing environmental and safety concerns associated with nuclear energy. This makes fusion a more attractive option for future energy production, as managing radioactive waste from fission has proven to be one of the significant challenges facing the nuclear industry.

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