Fission

Definition

Fission is a nuclear reaction in which an atomic nucleus splits into smaller parts, typically releasing a large amount of energy. This process often produces free neutrons and gamma photons.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fission commonly occurs with heavy nuclei such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239.
2. The energy released during fission is due to the conversion of mass into energy, following Einstein's equation $E = mc^2$.
3. Fission reactions can be harnessed for both nuclear power generation and nuclear weapons.
4. A chain reaction in fission happens when the neutrons produced trigger additional fissions, leading to a self-sustaining series of reactions.
5. Control rods in nuclear reactors are used to absorb excess neutrons and regulate the fission chain reaction.

Review Questions

• What is released during a fission reaction?
• How does a fission chain reaction become self-sustaining?
• What role do control rods play in a nuclear reactor?

Related terms

Fusion:

A nuclear reaction where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, typically releasing energy.

Radioactivity: The emission of ionizing radiation or particles caused by the spontaneous disintegration of atomic nuclei.

Isotope:

Variants of a particular chemical element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.