nuclear fission
NYOO-klee-er FISH-un
ˈnjuːkliər ˈfɪʃənListen
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Dictionary meaning
the nuclear reaction in which the nucleus of a heavy atom, most commonly uranium-235 or plutonium-239, absorbs a neutron and splits into two smaller daughter nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy in the form of kinetic energy of the fission fragments and gamma radiation, along with two or three additional neutrons that can trigger further fission reactions in a chain reaction; in a nuclear fission reactor the chain reaction is controlled by moderating materials that slow neutrons and by control rods that absorb excess neutrons, allowing sustained energy production; in nuclear weapons the chain reaction is allowed to proceed uncontrolled, releasing the energy of millions of kilograms of chemical explosive in microseconds
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