atomic fission
Nucleus breaks apart
Atomic fission is the splitting of an atomic nucleus into smaller parts, releasing enormous energy.
This process powers nuclear reactors and atomic bombs.
The term distinguishes from fusion, where nuclei combine.
Often shortened to just fission: The reactor uses fission to generate electricity.
Fission of uranium-235 produces a chain reaction.
- chain reactionSelf-sustaining causal sequence
- radioactive decayUnstable atoms releasing energy
- critical massThreshold for self-sustaining reaction
- Manhattan ProjectClandestine atomic weapons program
- ChernobylSoviet nuclear disaster site
nuclear · Enrico Fermi · nucleonics · uranium enrichment · reactor core · nuclear meltdown · control rods · spent fuel · breeder reactor · Three Mile Island · radiation shielding · fallout · Hiroshima · mushroom cloud · nuclear testing · Cold War · fuel rods · U-235
atomic fissionnuclear fusion
Atoms joining, releasing power
atomic fusion · fusion · thermonuclear fusion · hydrogen fusion · nucleosynthesis
atomic, atom, atoms, atomize, atomized, atomizer, atomization, subatomic, fission