Plutonium fission is a term commonly used in nuclear physics and chemistry, referring to the process of splitting plutonium atoms to release energy. The spelling of this term, /pluːˈtəʊniəm ˈfɪʃ(ə)n/, is derived from the International Phonetic Alphabet, which uses phonetic symbols to represent the sounds of speech. In the IPA, the symbol "ə" represents the schwa sound, pronounced as a short "uh" sound. The combination "sh" is represented in IPA as "ʃ", and the "i" in "fission" is pronounced as a long "ee" sound represented as "ɪ".
Plutonium fission refers to the process of splitting plutonium atoms into two or more smaller nuclei, along with the release of a large amount of energy. Plutonium is a synthetic radioactive element with atomic number 94, which can be created by bombarding uranium-238 with neutrons in a nuclear reactor. It is most commonly obtained from the spent fuel of nuclear reactors.
Fission is a nuclear reaction in which a heavy atomic nucleus, such as plutonium-239, is bombarded with a neutron, causing it to split into two smaller nuclei, often resulting in the release of additional neutrons. This process is highly exothermic, meaning that it releases a significant amount of energy, and it is the chain reaction of these subsequent neutron-induced fissions that forms the basis of nuclear energy and atomic weapons.
Plutonium fission has significant practical applications, primarily in the field of nuclear power generation. Plutonium-239, one of the isotopes of plutonium, is a fissile material that can sustain a chain reaction when bombarded with neutrons. This sustained chain reaction is the fundamental process that occurs in nuclear reactors to generate heat, which is then converted into electricity.
However, it is important to note that plutonium fission also has significant implications in the development and production of nuclear weapons. Plutonium-239 can be used as a key ingredient in the creation of atomic bombs, where the intense energy released by the fission chain reaction is harnessed to cause a powerful explosion.
In summary, plutonium fission refers to the process of splitting plutonium atoms using neutrons, resulting in the release of large amounts of energy. It is a key process in nuclear power generation and has also been instrumental in the development of nuclear weapons.
The word "plutonium" originates from the name of the planet Pluto, which was discovered in 1930. Plutonium was named so as part of the tradition of naming newly discovered elements after celestial bodies.
The term "fission" comes from the Latin word "fissiō", which means "a splitting or breaking apart". In the context of nuclear science, fission specifically refers to the process of splitting an atomic nucleus into two or more smaller nuclei.
Therefore, the term "plutonium fission" refers to the splitting or breaking apart of plutonium atoms through a nuclear reaction.