PhysicsChapter 8: Nuclear Physics
Nuclear Fission
Nuclear fission
Definition
Nuclear fission is a nuclear process in which a heavy nucleus divides into two or more lighter nuclear fragments, usually with release of neutrons and energy.
Why Energy Is Released
A heavy nucleus can undergo fission after a suitable nuclear interaction. A schematic representation is: heavy nucleus → lighter fragments + neutrons + energy Fission products can have greater binding energy per nucleon than the original heavy nucleus. The difference in total mass-energy appears mainly as kinetic energy and other forms of radiation.
Chain Reaction
Neutrons produced by one fission event may trigger further fission events. This creates a: **nuclear chain reaction**. A controlled chain reaction is the basis of nuclear-reactor energy production.
Criticality Concept
A reactor must regulate the neutron population so that the chain reaction remains controlled rather than rapidly increasing or dying away.
Formula / Key Relation
**Q=(mi−mf)c²**
Exam preparation
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Review the key facts, formulas and checks before you move on.Nuclear Fission
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FISSION
- Heavy → lighter
- neutrons released
- energy released
- possible chain reaction
60-second revision
- Fission releases energy because products can be more tightly bound.
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