
Nuclear fission - Wikipedia
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 …
DOE Explains...Nuclear Fission - Department of Energy
Nuclear fission is the process where the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei and other particles. These particles can include neutrons, alpha particles (helium nuclei), beta …
Nuclear fission | Examples & Process | Britannica
Jan 2, 2026 · Nuclear fission, subdivision of a heavy atomic nucleus, such as that of uranium or plutonium, into two fragments of roughly equal mass. The process is accompanied by the release of …
Understanding the Difference Between Nuclear Fission and Fusion ...
Nuclear fission is the process used in today's nuclear power plants. It occurs when the nucleus—the central core of an atom—typically of a heavy element, such as uranium or plutonium, splits into two …
Understand Nuclear Fission | Understand Energy Learning Hub
Jul 30, 2025 · Nuclear fission occurs when a large atom is split into smaller atoms, producing lots of heat and radiation. Nuclear fusion occurs when two nuclei combine to form a single nucleus, …
Nuclear Fission and Fusion – How Nuclear Reactions Produce Energy
The fission of a single nucleus results in the production of 2 or 3 neutrons. These neutrons are capable of colliding with another nucleus to cause an additional fission reaction.
What Is Nuclear Fission? The Physics Behind Atomic Power
May 25, 2025 · Nuclear fission is the process by which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei, accompanied by the release of a large amount of energy. This seemingly …
Nuclear Fission | Definition, Reaction & Examples - nuclear-power.com
Nuclear fission is a nuclear reaction or a decay process, in which the heavy nucleus splits into smaller parts (lighter nuclei). The fission process often produces free neutrons and photons (in the form of …
What is Fission? - Live Science
Jul 19, 2023 · Fission is the process by which an atom splits into two, generating two smaller atoms and a tremendous amount of energy. Fission powers nuclear bombs and power plants.
Nuclear Fission Definition and Examples - ThoughtCo
Jun 9, 2025 · Fission is the splitting of an atomic nucleus into two or more lighter nuclei accompanied by energy release. The original heavy atom is termed the parent nucleus, and the …