Difference between revisions of "Nuclear fission"
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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. | 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. Once a critical mass of the proper radioactive material of good enough purity is | + | 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 achieved, the chain reaction begins. |
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 03:41, September 14, 2008
Nuclear fission is 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 in 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. Once a critical mass of the proper radioactive material of good enough purity is achieved, the chain reaction begins.
References
- ↑ Wile, Dr. Jay L. Exploring Creation With Physical Science. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1999, 2000