Nuclear Fission

Nuclear fission is the process by which the nucleus of an atom splits into smaller parts, releasing a large amount of energy. This process is the basis for nuclear power plants and nuclear weapons.

How Does Nuclear Fission Work?

When a heavy nucleus, such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239, absorbs a neutron, it becomes unstable and splits into two smaller nuclei, along with several neutrons and a large amount of energy in the form of gamma rays and kinetic energy. This release of energy is what makes nuclear fission such a powerful process.

Applications of Nuclear Fission

Nuclear fission is used in nuclear power plants to generate electricity. The energy released during the fission process is used to heat water, which then produces steam to drive turbines and generate electricity. In nuclear weapons, nuclear fission is used to create explosions of immense destructive power.