NUCLEAR FISSION Meaning and
Definition
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Nuclear fission refers to a process in which the nucleus of an atom is split into two or more smaller nuclei, accompanied by the release of a large amount of energy. This phenomenon occurs when a heavy atomic nucleus, such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239, absorbs a neutron, leading to its instability.
In nuclear fission, the absorbed neutron causes the atomic nucleus to become highly unstable, causing it to stretch and elongate. As a result, the nucleus separates into two or more smaller fragments, known as fission products, along with the release of two or three additional neutrons. This splitting of the nucleus produces a tremendous amount of energy in the form of kinetic energy of the fragments and the released neutrons.
The energy released during nuclear fission is immense and is a fundamental principle behind nuclear power reactors or atomic bombs. In a controlled manner, the energy obtained from nuclear fission reactions can be harnessed to generate electricity, as it produces a significant amount of heat. This heat is then used to produce steam, which turns a turbine, and subsequently generates electrical power.
Nuclear fission can also occur spontaneously to some extent, known as spontaneous fission, but it is primarily induced through the bombardment by an additional neutron. The process of nuclear fission plays a pivotal role in understanding the behavior of atomic nuclei, the creation of atomic weapons, and the generation of nuclear energy.
Common Misspellings for NUCLEAR FISSION
- buclear fission
- muclear fission
- juclear fission
- huclear fission
- nyclear fission
- nhclear fission
- njclear fission
- niclear fission
- n8clear fission
- n7clear fission
- nuxlear fission
- nuvlear fission
- nuflear fission
- nudlear fission
- nuckear fission
- nucpear fission
- nucoear fission
- nuclwar fission
- nuclsar fission
Etymology of NUCLEAR FISSION
The word "nuclear fission" has its roots in both Latin and English.
The term "nuclear" comes from the Latin word "nucleus", meaning a kernel or seed. In the context of nuclear physics, the nucleus refers to the central part of an atom, which contains protons and neutrons.
The term "fission" comes from the Latin word "fissio", which means a splitting or division. In the context of nuclear physics, fission specifically refers to the splitting of an atomic nucleus into two or more smaller nuclei, usually accompanied by the release of a significant amount of energy.
Combining these two terms, "nuclear fission" describes the splitting of an atomic nucleus. The term was coined in the 1930s when scientists discovered that certain heavy atomic nuclei, such as uranium and plutonium, could be split through a chain reaction, releasing tremendous amounts of energy.
Similar spelling words for NUCLEAR FISSION
- nuclear chemist,
- nuclear reactor,
- nuclear physicist,
- nuclear winter,
- nuclear power,
- nuclear terrorism,
- nuclear physics,
- nuclear reaction,
- nuclear chemistry,
- nuclear fuel,
- nuclear club,
- nuclear propulsion,
- nuclear energy,
- nuclear fusion,
- nuclear medicine,
- nuclear rocket,
- nuclear resonance,
- nuclear meltdown,
- nuclear explosion,
- nuclear family,
- nuclear weapon.
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