What is nuclear fission?
Quick Answer
Nuclear fission is the splitting of a heavy atomic nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing energy and neutrons. It is the process used in nuclear reactors and atomic weapons.
The Full Story
Fission occurs when a heavy nucleus such as uranium-235 absorbs a neutron and becomes unstable enough to split. The process releases a large amount of energy because some mass is converted into energy, along with more neutrons that can sustain a chain reaction. Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann discovered the chemical evidence for fission in 1938, and Lise Meitner helped explain it theoretically. Controlled fission powers nuclear power plants, while uncontrolled chain reactions were used in the first atomic weapons in 1945.
Key Facts
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"The split that powers reactors and changed history"