What is nuclear fission?

Nuclear fission is defined as the process where a heavy nucleus splits into smaller nuclei, along with the release of energy. This phenomenon typically occurs with isotopes of heavy elements, like uranium-235 or plutonium-239, when they absorb a neutron. The absorption causes the nucleus to become unstable, leading to its division into two smaller nuclei, called fission fragments.

In addition to producing smaller nuclei, fission also releases additional neutrons and energy in the form of kinetic energy of the fission fragments and electromagnetic radiation. The released neutrons can then initiate further fission reactions in a chain reaction, which is the principle behind nuclear reactors and atomic bombs.

Understanding nuclear fission is crucial in fields such as nuclear energy generation, as well as in understanding the mechanisms involved in nuclear weaponry and astrophysical processes in stars.