Simple Description

A type of nuclear reaction that splits a nucleus to release energy

Further Detail

In a nuclear fission reaction a neutron is fired into an unstable nucleus of uranium or plutonium. This causes the nucleus to become unstable and split into to smaller nucleii. This process releases a small amount of energy and happens in nuclear power stations and nuclear bombs. The process also releases more neutrons that can be used to start further nuclear fission reactions - a "chain reaction".

Related Words:

• Chain reaction
• Nuclear fusion
• Uranium
• Plutonium
• Nuclear fuels

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