
Nuclear fission - Wikipedia
Nuclear fission produces energy for nuclear power and drives the explosion of nuclear weapons. Both uses are possible because certain substances called nuclear fuels undergo fission when struck by …
Fission and Fusion: What is the Difference? | Department of ...
Apr 1, 2021 · Fission occurs when a neutron slams into a larger atom, forcing it to excite and split into two smaller atoms—also known as fission products. Additional neutrons are also released that can …
Nuclear fission | Examples & Process | Britannica
Jan 2, 2026 · Nuclear fission, subdivision of a heavy atomic nucleus, such as that of uranium or plutonium, into two fragments of roughly equal mass. The process is accompanied by the release of …
Understanding the Difference Between Nuclear Fission and ...
Nuclear fission is the process used in today's nuclear power plants. It occurs when the nucleus—the central core of an atom—typically of a heavy element, such as uranium or plutonium, splits into two …
What is Fission? - Live Science
Jul 19, 2023 · Fission is the process by which an atom splits into two, generating two smaller atoms and a tremendous amount of energy. Fission powers nuclear bombs and power plants.
Nuclear Fission Definition and Examples - Science Notes and ...
May 13, 2023 · Nuclear fission is a nuclear reaction or a radioactive decay process in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller, lighter nuclei. This process often produces gamma …
What Is Nuclear Fission? The Physics Behind Atomic Power
May 25, 2025 · Nuclear fission is the process by which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei, accompanied by the release of a large amount of energy. This seemingly simple …
Fission - Understand Energy Learning Hub
Nuclear fission is the process of splitting a large atom into two smaller atoms and releasing a LOT of heat, making it an extremely energy dense resource. That heat is used to boil water, make steam, …
The Fission Process – MIT Nuclear Reactor Laboratory
When a U-235 nucleus absorbs an extra neutron, it quickly breaks into two parts. This process is known as fission (see diagram below). Each time a U-235 nucleus splits, it releases two or three neutrons. …
Nuclear Fission | Definition, Reaction & Examples | nuclear ...
Nuclear fission is a nuclear reaction or a decay process, in which the heavy nucleus splits into smaller parts (lighter nuclei). The fission process often produces free neutrons and photons (in the form of …