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Nov 5, 2024 · 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 a large amount of energy.
Nov 5, 2024 · The fission process may be best understood through a consideration of the structure and stability of nuclear matter. Nuclei consist of nucleons (neutrons and protons), the total number of which is equal to the mass number of the nucleus.
Nov 5, 2024 · Nuclear fission - Stages, Reactions, Energy: A pictorial representation of the sequence of events in the fission of a heavy nucleus is given in Figure 3. The approximate time elapse between stages of the process is indicated at the bottom of the Figure.
Nov 5, 2024 · Nuclear fission - Fission theory: Nuclear fission is a complex process that involves the rearrangement of hundreds of nucleons in a single nucleus to produce two separate nuclei. A complete theoretical understanding of this reaction would require a detailed knowledge of the forces involved in the motion of each of the nucleons through the process.
Nov 5, 2024 · Nuclear fission - Chain Reactions, Control: The emission of several neutrons in the fission process leads to the possibility of a chain reaction if at least one of the fission neutrons induces fission in another fissile nucleus, which in turn fissions and emits neutrons to continue the chain.
Oct 20, 2024 · Nuclear power, electricity generated by power plants that derive their heat from fission in a nuclear reactor. Except for the reactor, a nuclear power plant is similar to a large coal-fired power plant, with pumps, valves, steam generators, turbines, electric generators, condensers, and associated equipment.
Oct 12, 2024 · A nuclear weapon is a device designed to release energy in an explosive manner as a result of nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, or a combination of the two. Fission weapons are commonly referred to as atomic bombs, and fusion weapons are referred to as thermonuclear bombs or, more commonly, hydrogen bombs.
Nov 8, 2024 · Fusion reactions between light elements, like fission reactions that split heavy elements, release energy because of a key feature of nuclear matter called the binding energy, which can be released through fusion or fission.
Inside a nuclear power plant is a nuclear reactor where heavy elements, like plutonium or uranium, fuel nuclear fission reactions. These elements are contained in fuel rods. The fuel rods, where the fission chain reactions occur, create enormous amounts of heat energy.
Nov 8, 2024 · Nuclear energy, energy that is released in significant amounts in processes that affect atomic nuclei, the dense cores of atoms. One method of releasing nuclear energy is by controlled nuclear fission, used in nuclear power plants around the world. Another method, controlled nuclear fusion, has not yet been perfected.
