Difference between revisions of "Nuclear fission"
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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> | 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, | + | 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. |
| − | A critical mass of radioactive material is required to begin this chain reaction | + | 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. |
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==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 21:39, May 11, 2007
The process by which a large nucleus is split into two smaller nuclei.[1]
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.
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.
References
- ↑ Wile, Dr. Jay L. Exploring Creation With Physical Science. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1999, 2000