Nuclear fission meaning

Nuclear fission is the process in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy.


Nuclear fission definitions

Word backwards raelcun noissif
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "nuclear fission" is a noun.
Syllabic division nu-cle-ar fis-sion
Plural The plural of the word nuclear fission is nuclear fissions.
Total letters 14
Vogais (5) u,e,a,i,o
Consonants (6) n,c,l,r,f,s

Nuclear fission is a process in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei, along with the release of a large amount of energy. This process is the basis for nuclear power plants and nuclear weapons.

How Nuclear Fission Works

When a heavy atomic nucleus, such as uranium-235, absorbs a neutron, it becomes unstable and splits into two or more lighter nuclei, releasing additional neutrons and a large amount of energy. These newly released neutrons can then go on to split other nuclei, creating a chain reaction.

Controlled vs. Uncontrolled Fission

In a nuclear reactor, fission is controlled to sustain a steady chain reaction that generates heat to produce electricity. On the other hand, in an uncontrolled fission reaction, such as in a nuclear bomb, the chain reaction happens rapidly and uncontrollably, releasing a massive amount of energy in a short period of time.

Applications of Nuclear Fission

Nuclear fission has various applications, with the most common being the generation of electricity in nuclear power plants. These plants use the heat produced by fission to turn water into steam, which then drives turbines to generate electricity.

Challenges and Concerns

While nuclear fission has many benefits, such as being a low-carbon energy source, there are also significant challenges and concerns associated with it. These include the long-term storage of radioactive waste, the risk of accidents like meltdowns, and the potential for nuclear proliferation.

Overall, nuclear fission is a powerful process that has the potential to provide a significant amount of energy. However, it is crucial to handle this technology with care and consideration for both its benefits and risks.


Nuclear fission Examples

  1. Nuclear fission is used in nuclear power plants to generate electricity.
  2. The process of nuclear fission releases a significant amount of energy.
  3. Scientists study nuclear fission to understand its potential applications.
  4. Nuclear fission occurs when the nucleus of an atom splits into smaller parts.
  5. The development of nuclear weapons involved harnessing the power of nuclear fission.
  6. Nuclear fission reactions require careful control to avoid accidents or meltdowns.
  7. Nuclear fission is one of the main processes used in nuclear reactors.
  8. The discovery of nuclear fission revolutionized the field of nuclear physics.
  9. Nuclear fission plays a crucial role in both peaceful and military applications of nuclear technology.
  10. The study of nuclear fission continues to advance our understanding of atomic reactions.


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  • Updated 16/04/2024 - 15:45:54