It is a nuclear reaction in which an a large atom is split into two or more smaller atoms. These smaller atoms will have a mas of about half the parent's or lower
- Fission requires a free neutron colliding with a large nucleus.
- The nucleus absorbs the neutron and forms a highly unstable isotope that breaks up almost instantaneously.
- The mass of two or more of the smaller atoms is less than the mass of the parent atom.
- Fission requires a free neutron colliding with a large nucleus.
- The nucleus absorbs the neutron and forms a highly unstable isotope that breaks up almost instantaneously.
- The mass of two or more of the smaller atoms is less than the mass of the parent atom.
Requirements:
- The parent atom needs a critical mass and high speed neutrons.
- Unlike in fusion, not much energy is required for fission.
Where does it occur?
- Does not normally occur in nature. It is a man-made reaction.
Energy Release
- The energy released by fission is a million times greater than that released in chemical reactions, but lower than the energy released by nuclear fusion.
Use:
Used in nuclear power plants.
Nuclear Weapon
One class of nuclear weapon is an atomic bomb or also called the atom bomb.
- The parent atom needs a critical mass and high speed neutrons.
- Unlike in fusion, not much energy is required for fission.
Where does it occur?
- Does not normally occur in nature. It is a man-made reaction.
Energy Release
- The energy released by fission is a million times greater than that released in chemical reactions, but lower than the energy released by nuclear fusion.
Use:
Used in nuclear power plants.
Nuclear Weapon
One class of nuclear weapon is an atomic bomb or also called the atom bomb.