Section: STEM · ChemistryDifficulty: Advanced
Nuclear Fission
USUK
The splitting of a heavy atomic nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing enormous energy.
Also: fission · atom splitting
Definition
Nuclear fission is a nuclear reaction in which the nucleus of a heavy atom, such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239, absorbs a neutron and splits into two smaller nuclei, releasing additional neutrons and a tremendous amount of energy as described by E = mc2. These released neutrons can trigger further fissions in a chain reaction. Fission is the energy source in nuclear power plants and atomic bombs.
Example
“In a nuclear power plant, uranium fuel rods undergo controlled fission chain reactions; the heat generated boils water, which drives steam turbines to produce electricity for the grid.”
Synonyms
- atom splitting
- nuclear splitting
- fission reaction
Antonyms / Opposites
- nuclear fusion
Images
CC-licensed · free to useLoading images…
Video
Related Terms
- Nuclear Fusion
- Chain Reaction
- Radioactive Decay
- Binding Energy