Nuclear fission

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Nuclear fission. 5 connected concepts: Manhattan Project (related to), Neutron temperature (related to), Bruno Pontecorvo (related to), Enrico Fermi (related to), Via Panisperna boys (related to).

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Also known as: fission

Community · Neutron temperature

Key points5

Involves the splitting of an atomic nucleus.
Produces two or more smaller nuclei.
Frequently releases gamma photons.
Generates a very large amount of energy.
Distinguished by its high energy output compared to standard radioactive decay.

Summary

Nuclear fission is a reaction in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei.

19 words

Connections5

Related toManhattan Project100%
physical process powering the Manhattan Project weapons
The project was founded on the discovery of nuclear fission, which releases massive amounts of energy when heavy nuclei are split.
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Related toEnrico Fermi100%
pioneered the experimental study of neutron-induced reactions
Fermi's experiments with neutron bombardment were the precursors to the discovery of nuclear fission, though he initially misinterpreted the results as new elements.
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Related toNeutron temperature95%
reaction rate dependent on neutron energy
The likelihood of nuclear fission is highly sensitive to the kinetic energy of the incident neutron, making neutron temperature a critical factor in reactor control.
SourcesWikipedia Wikidata Wikipedia Wikidata
Related toBruno Pontecorvo90%
subject of early experimental research
Pontecorvo's early work involved studying the interaction of neutrons with matter, which was foundational to the understanding of nuclear fission processes.
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Related toVia Panisperna boys90%
Scientific consequence of the group's research
The group's work on neutron bombardment of uranium provided the experimental basis that led Otto Hahn and Lise Meitner to identify nuclear fission.
SourcesWikipedia Wikidata Wikipedia Wikidata

Overview

Nuclear fission is a fundamental physical process in which the atomic nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller, lighter nuclei. This reaction is a primary mechanism for energy release in nuclear physics and is distinct from other forms of radioactive decay due to the magnitude of energy involved.

A visual representation of an induced nuclear fission event where a slow-moving neutron is absorbed by the nucleus of a uranium-235 atom, which fissions into two fast-moving lighter elements (fission products) and additional neutrons. Most of the energy released is in the form of the kinetic velocities of the fission...Wikimedia Commons

Fission product yields by mass for thermal neutron fission of uranium-235, plutonium-239, a combination of the two typical of current nuclear power reactors, and uranium-233, used in the thorium cycleWikimedia Commons

The stages of binary fission in a liquid drop model. Energy input deforms the nucleus into a fat "cigar" shape, then a "peanut" shape, followed by binary fission as the two lobes exceed the short-range nuclear force attraction distance, and are then pushed apart and away by their electrical charge. In the liquid drop...Wikimedia Commons

Animation of a Coulomb explosion in the case of a cluster of positively charged nuclei, akin to a cluster of fission fragments. Hue level of color is proportional to (larger) nuclei charge. Electrons (smaller) on this time-scale are seen only stroboscopically and the hue level is their kinetic energy.Wikimedia Commons

The cooling towers of the Philippsburg Nuclear Power Plant in GermanyWikimedia Commons

Chemical Fission Fusion Energy — **Description:** Fission, fusion and chemical energy compared. **Author:** Webber Source: "own work" Date: 2005Wikimedia Commons; No machine-readable author provided. Webber assumed (based on copyright claims).; No machine-readable source provided. Own work assumed (based on copyright claims).; Public domain; Wikimedia Commons: Category:Nuclear fission

The process of fission is often accompanied by the emission of gamma photons. The energy released during this splitting is exceptionally high, even when compared to the energetic standards typically associated with other types of radioactive decay.

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Facts