Nuclear fission

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Nuclear Fission

Nuclear fission (pronunciation: /ˈnjuː.kli.ər ˈfɪʃ.ən/) is a nuclear reaction or a radioactive decay process in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller, lighter nuclei. The fission process often produces free neutrons and gamma photons, and releases a large amount of energy.

Etymology

The term "nuclear fission" is derived from the Latin fissio (a cleaving, splitting), and the prefix nuclear refers to the nucleus of an atom. The concept was first discovered in the 1930s by Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann, and the term was coined by Lise Meitner and Otto Frisch.

Related Terms

  • Atom: The smallest unit of a chemical element that retains the properties of that element. It consists of a nucleus and one or more electrons.
  • Nucleus (physics): The central part of an atom, containing protons and neutrons.
  • Neutron: A subatomic particle found in the nucleus of every atom except that of hydrogen. It has no electric charge.
  • Gamma Ray: A type of high-energy radiation that is produced by nuclear reactions.
  • Radioactive Decay: The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by radiation.
  • Nuclear Reaction: A process in which two atomic nuclei, or a nucleus of an atom and a subatomic particle from outside it, collide to produce one or more nuclides that are different from the nuclide(s) that began the process.
  • Nuclear Energy: The energy released during nuclear fission or fusion, especially when used to generate electricity.

See Also

External links

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