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When a U-235 nucleus absorbs an extra neutron, it quickly breaks into two parts. This process is known as fission (see diagram below). Each time a U-235 nucleus splits, it releases two or three neutrons. Hence, the possibility exists for creating a chain reaction.
Nuclear reactors are the heart of a nuclear power plant. They contain and control nuclear chain reactions that produce heat through a physical process called fission. That heat is used to make steam that spins a turbine to create electricity.
Nuclear fission is a nuclear reaction or a decay process in which the heavy nucleus splits into smaller parts (lighter nuclei). The fission process often produces free neutrons, photons (in the form of gamma rays) and releases a large amount of energy.
Nuclear fission, subdivision of a heavy atomic nucleus, such as that of uranium or plutonium, into two fragments of roughly equal mass. The process is accompanied by the release of a large amount of energy. Nuclear fission may take place spontaneously or may be induced by the excitation of the nucleus.
Energy from a nuclear fission reaction produces hot, high-pressure steam that turns a turbine. As the turbine turns, electricity is produced. The major drawback to a fission reactor is nuclear waste. U-235 fission produces nuclei with long half-lives such as \(^{238}U\) that must be stored.
Nuclear reactors operate on the principle of nuclear fission, the process in which a heavy atomic nucleus splits into two smaller fragments. The nuclear fragments are in very excited states and emit neutron s, other subatomic particle s, and photon s.
In a fission reactor generating plant, a fission reaction is used to boil the water into steam, and the steam passes through the turbine to make it spin. Once the steam is generated by the fission reaction, a nuclear power plant is essentially the same as a fossil fuel plant.
Nuclear fission - Stages, Reactions, Energy: A pictorial representation of the sequence of events in the fission of a heavy nucleus is given in Figure 3. The approximate time elapse between stages of the process is indicated at the bottom of the Figure.
Nuclear fission is the process of splitting a large atom into two smaller atoms and releasing a LOT of heat. That heat is used to boil water, make steam, turn a turbine and generator, and produce electricity. Most nuclear power plants today are fueled by enriched uranium 235 to produce non-renewable, carbon-free, 24/7 electricity.
A nuclear fission reaction is a process that begins when a neutron or other particle strikes a nucleus. This creates fragments of the original nucleus. It also creates new neutrons that can then collide with other nuclei to cause more nuclear reactions.