NASA has employed the services of GLaDOS from Valve’s Portal game to help in an educational video from NASA explaining the difference between Fusion vs. Fission.
So if you have ever wondered what the difference is between the two, check out the humorous video after the jump where GLaDOS makes it easy to understand, in her own unique way with a little help from two NASA technicians.
Understanding Fusion and Fission
Fusion and fission are two fundamental nuclear processes that release energy, but they do so in very different ways. Fusion is the process that powers the sun and other stars. It involves combining two light atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus. This process releases a tremendous amount of energy because the mass of the resulting single nucleus is less than the mass of the two original nuclei. The difference in mass is converted into energy according to Einstein’s equation, E=mc².
Fission, on the other hand, is the process used in nuclear power plants and atomic bombs. It involves splitting a heavy atomic nucleus into two lighter nuclei, along with a few neutrons and a large amount of energy. This process is typically initiated by bombarding the heavy nucleus with a neutron. The resulting fragments are more stable than the original heavy nucleus, and the mass difference is again converted into energy.
“The education video was produced by the education & public outreach department of NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope, focusing on STEM education. It addresses content included in the Next Generation Science Standards, PS1.C: Nuclear Processes
When a science-mad A.I. system (voiced by GLaDOS actress Ellen McLain) is installed at NASA, two hapless computer technicians learn the process behind nuclear fusion in the Sun, and how it differs from fission. “
The Role of GLaDOS in Education
GLaDOS, the iconic artificial intelligence from the Portal video game series, is known for her sarcastic and humorous personality. By incorporating GLaDOS into the educational video, NASA aims to make complex scientific concepts more accessible and engaging to a broader audience. The character’s unique way of explaining things adds a layer of entertainment that can help maintain viewers’ interest and make the learning experience more enjoyable.
In the video, GLaDOS explains that fusion occurs naturally in stars, including our sun, where immense pressure and temperature allow hydrogen nuclei to overcome their repulsive forces and combine to form helium. This process releases energy in the form of light and heat, which is why the sun shines so brightly. On the other hand, fission is a man-made process used in nuclear reactors to generate electricity. By splitting heavy elements like uranium or plutonium, we can harness the energy released to power our homes and industries.
The video also touches on the potential future applications of fusion energy. Unlike fission, fusion produces minimal radioactive waste and has a virtually limitless fuel supply, as it uses isotopes of hydrogen, which are abundant in water. Scientists are currently working on developing practical fusion reactors, which could provide a clean and sustainable source of energy for the future.
By using a popular character like GLaDOS, NASA not only educates but also inspires curiosity and interest in STEM fields. This approach aligns with NASA’s broader mission to promote science education and encourage the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers.
Source: NASA
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