Energy Encyclopedia

F

Fission

Nuclear Energy

Splitting of a heavy nucleus.

Nuclear fission is the splitting of a heavy nucleus into two (or more) fragments, releasing energy, neutrons, and radiation.

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Articles

Fission Chain Reaction

When a neutron splits the 235U nucleus, 2-3 neutrons are released. The fission chain reaction occurs when they split other nuclei, releasing more neutrons.

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Glossary

N

Neutron

Uncharged nucleon.

C

Critical mass

Amount of fissile material that can sustain a chain reaction.