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The process by which a large nucleus is split into two smaller nuclei.<ref>Wile, Dr. Jay L. ''Exploring Creation With Physical Science''. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1999, 2000</ref>

'''Nuclear fission''' is the process by which a large [[nucleus]] is split into two smaller nuclei.<ref>Wile, Dr. Jay L. ''Exploring Creation With Physical Science''. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1999, 2000</ref>

The fission of a nucleus releases an enormous amount of energy, which can be harnessed in a nuclear reactor to generate electrical power. Nuclear fission can also be used in a destructive fashion, such as a nuclear weapon.  Fission also releases neutrons which can then impact and cause other nuclei to split, causing a chain reaction.  The two most common fissile elemnts used in nuclear power applications and weapons applications are uranium 235 and plutonium 239.

The fission of a nucleus releases an enormous amount of [[energy]], which can be harnessed in a [[nuclear reactor]] to generate electrical power. Nuclear fission can also be used in a destructive fashion, such as in a [[nuclear weapon]].  Fission also releases [[neutron]]s which can then impact and cause other nuclei to split, causing a chain reaction.  The two most common fissile elemnts used in nuclear power applications and weapons applications are [[uranium]] 235 and [[plutonium]] 239.

A critical mass of the right radioactive material is required to begin this chain reaction.  If you have a critical mass of the proper radioactive material, and if that material is of the right percentage purity, then you can create a nuclear explosion.  

A [[critical mass]] of the right [[radioactive]] material is required to begin this chain reaction.  Once a critical mass of the proper radioactive material of good enough purity is acheived, the crhain reaction begins.

==References==

==References==