Fission works by bombarding a large atom with a neutron, causing it to become unstable and split into smaller atoms, releasing a tremendous amount of energy and more neutrons in the process. This can lead to a chain reaction.
Understanding Nuclear Fission
Nuclear fission is a process in nuclear physics in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei. This process is usually accompanied by the release of a significant amount of energy. Let's break it down further:
The Fission Process
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Neutron Impact: Fission begins when a neutron collides with the nucleus of a fissile atom, such as Uranium-235 or Plutonium-239.
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Excitation and Splitting: According to the reference, "when a neutron slams into a larger atom, forcing it to excite and split into two smaller atoms—also known as fission products." The absorption of the neutron makes the nucleus unstable. This instability causes the nucleus to distort and then split into two smaller nuclei, known as fission fragments or fission products.
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Release of Neutrons: The splitting of the nucleus also releases several neutrons. The number of neutrons released varies depending on the atom that is splitting.
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Energy Release: A tremendous amount of energy is released during fission, primarily in the form of kinetic energy of the fission products and the released neutrons. This energy comes from the conversion of a small amount of mass into energy, as described by Einstein's famous equation, E=mc².
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Chain Reaction: The released neutrons can then go on to strike other fissile nuclei, causing them to undergo fission as well. This creates a self-sustaining chain reaction, which is the basis for nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons. The reference confirms this, stating that "additional neutrons are also released that can initiate a chain reaction."
Visual Representation
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | A neutron strikes a fissile atom (e.g., Uranium-235). |
| 2 | The atom becomes unstable and splits into two smaller atoms (fission products). |
| 3 | Multiple neutrons are released. |
| 4 | A large amount of energy is released. |
| 5 | Released neutrons strike other atoms, continuing the chain reaction. |
Example
Consider Uranium-235 (U-235):
- When a neutron strikes a U-235 nucleus, it splits into smaller nuclei, such as Barium-141 and Krypton-92, along with the release of neutrons and a substantial amount of energy.
Applications
- Nuclear Power: Fission is used in nuclear power plants to generate electricity. The heat produced from the controlled fission chain reaction is used to boil water, creating steam that drives turbines connected to generators.
- Nuclear Weapons: Uncontrolled chain reactions in fissile materials are used in nuclear weapons to create explosions.
