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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 differences between these two processes are given below.

1. It involves the splitting of a heavy nucleus into lighter nuclei.

2. It is a chain process.

3. High temperature is not essential.

4. Fission process can be carried out in a controlled manner and energy released can be used for peaceful purposes.

5. There is a production of large number of radioisotopes and large amount of nuclear waste is left.

1. It involves the union of two or more lighter nuclei to form a heavy nucleus.

2. It is not a chain process.

3. Being a thermonuclear process, it requires extremely high temperature (> 10^6 K).

4. Fusion process is extremely difficult to be carried out in a controlled manner.

5. No nuclear waste is left. Hence, it does not cause pollution.