What is nuclear fission, and how does it release energy by splitting atomic nuclei?

Nuclear fission is a process where the nucleus of an atom is split into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy in the process. This process is the basis for the operation of nuclear reactors and the atomic bomb.

When a nucleus undergoes fission, it splits into two or more lighter nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation and kinetic energy of the products. This energy is a result of the conversion of a small amount of mass into energy, as predicted by Einstein's famous equation E=mc^2.

The fission process can be initiated by bombarding the nucleus with a neutron, causing it to become unstable and split. The products of the fission reaction are often radioactive and undergo further decay, releasing additional energy and radiation.

Nuclear fission is a complex process that requires careful control in order to prevent runaway reactions and nuclear meltdowns. While it has the potential to be a significant source of energy, it also poses significant risks if not managed properly.

Nuclear fission is a reaction in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei. The fission process often produces gamma photons, and releases a very large amount of energy even by the energetic standards of radioactive decay.

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 neutrons, and in turn emit neutrons when they break apart. This makes a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction possible, releasing energy at a controlled rate in a nuclear reactor or at a very rapid, uncontrolled rate in a nuclear weapon.

The process of nuclear fission can be understood by considering the structure of the atomic nucleus. The nucleus is made up of protons and neutrons, which are held together by the strong nuclear force. The strong nuclear force is very powerful, but it has a very short range. This means that the protons and neutrons in the nucleus are only attracted to each other if they are very close together.

When a neutron is absorbed by a uranium-235 nucleus, it causes the nucleus to become unstable. The uranium-235 nucleus then splits into two smaller nuclei, releasing energy and two or three more neutrons. These neutrons can then strike other uranium-235 nuclei, causing them to fission as well. This process, known as a chain reaction, can continue until all of the uranium-235 has been fissioned or until the chain reaction is stopped by control rods.

The energy released by nuclear fission is enormous. When one uranium-235 nucleus fissions, it releases about 200 million electron volts (MeV) of energy. This is about 2 million times more energy than is released when one carbon atom combines with one oxygen atom in a chemical reaction.

The energy released by nuclear fission can be used to generate electricity in a nuclear power plant. In a nuclear power plant, the fission reaction is controlled so that it produces a steady stream of heat. This heat is used to boil water, which turns a turbine that generates electricity.

Nuclear fission can also be used to create nuclear weapons. In a nuclear weapon, the fission reaction is not controlled. Instead, it is allowed to proceed at a very rapid rate, releasing a huge amount of energy in a very short period of time. This energy is what causes the nuclear explosion.