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'''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>

'''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 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 of sufficient mass 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 elements 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.

A [[critical mass]] of the right [[radioactive]] material is required to begin this chain reaction.  This is because if the mass undergoing fission is not sufficiently large, it's high surface area to mass ratio allows a large percentage of the neutrons required to sustain the chain reaction to escape. Once a critical mass of the proper radioactive material of good enough purity is achieved, the chain reaction begins.

==References==

==References==