Nuclear Fission
What is Nuclear Fission?
Nuclear fission is the splitting of a heavy atomic nucleus (such as ²³⁵U or ²³⁹Pu) into two or more lighter nuclei, accompanied by the release of a large amount of energy and several neutrons. The released neutrons can trigger further fission events in a chain reaction. Controlled nuclear fission in reactors generates electricity; uncontrolled fission produces the explosive energy of nuclear bombs.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Nuclear fission is the splitting of a heavy atomic nucleus (such as ²³⁵U or ²³⁹Pu) into two or more lighter nuclei, accompanied by the release of a large amount of energy and several neutrons. The released neutrons can trigger further fission events in a chain reaction. Controlled nuclear fission in reactors generates electricity; uncontrolled fission produces the explosive energy of nuclear bombs.