Nuclear fission — Science definition
Defined in 2 courses:
- The splitting of a heavy nucleus into lighter nuclei plus neutrons, releasing energy. (Physical Science: Chemistry)
- The splitting of a heavy atomic nucleus (such as uranium-235) into smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy that a power plant uses to make steam and generate electricity. (Physics & Environmental Science)
Where it is taught
- Nuclear Chemistry — Redox, Cells & Nuclear Chemistry, Physical Science: Chemistry, Grade 11
- Nonrenewable Energy & Fossil Fuels — Energy, Water & Material Resources, Physics & Environmental Science, Grade 12
In use
Nuclear fission can supply heat for a turbine without direct CO₂ from carbon combustion.
Nonrenewable Energy & Fossil Fuels
Questions using nuclear fission
Problem 1
Explain the difference between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion, and give one real-world example of each.
Answer and explanation
Fission splits a heavy nucleus into lighter ones — for example, uranium-235 splitting inside a nuclear power reactor. Fusion joins light nuclei into a heavier one — for example, hydrogen fusing into helium in the core of the Sun. Both release large amounts of energy.
Taught alongside
- radioactivity
- alpha decay
- beta decay
- gamma decay
- half-life
- nuclear fusion
- fossil fuel
- combustion
- hydraulic fracturing (fracking)