Simple Description

A process that splits the nucleus of an atom into smaller nucleii and releases energy

Further Detail

Nuclear fission happens in power stations. A neutron is inserted into a radioactive nucleus (e.g. uranium or plutonium) and causes the nucleus to become unstable and split into smaller nucleii, releasing further neutrons in the process. These neutrons can then cause further fission reactions - a "chain reaction".

Related Words:

• Nuclear fission
• Chain reaction
• Neutron
• Uranium

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