Explain the process of nuclear fission.

I would start by defining nuclear fission: 'Nuclear fission is the process of splitting up atoms and harnessing the energy from the reaction.' I would then proceed to explain how this occurs: 'Fission happens when a neutron is fired at high speed at a large nucleus, often Uranium or Plutonium. This extra addition of a neutron makes the nucleus highly unstable, and it splits into two smaller nuclei, plus a few extra neutrons. These extra neutrons go on to split more nuclei, starting a chain reaction of atom splitting. Each event of fission creates energy, and the energy from the reaction as a whole is harnessed.

Answered by Rob S. Physics tutor

8933 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A baby in a bouncer bounces up and down with a period of 1.2s and amplitude of 90mm. Calculate the baby's maximum velocity.


What is a moment?


Explain why the velocity of a car moving at a constant speed around a bend changes.


A torch uses 15watts of energy. It uses two 1.5volt batteries connected in series. What is the resistance in the circuit of the torch?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences