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How does nuclear fission work?

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Quick answer

Nuclear fission works by splitting a heavy atom's nucleus, like uranium, into smaller pieces. This releases a huge amount of energy plus neutrons that split more atoms — a chain reaction. Power plants control this to make heat, which generates electricity.

Step by step

  1. A heavy nucleus (like uranium) is split apart.
  2. Splitting releases large energy and free neutrons.
  3. Those neutrons split more atoms — a chain reaction.
  4. Reactors control it to produce heat and electricity.

People also ask

How does nuclear fission work?
Splitting a heavy atom's nucleus releases energy and neutrons that split more atoms in a chain reaction.
What's the difference between fission and fusion?
Fission splits heavy atoms apart; fusion joins light atoms together, as in the Sun.
How do reactors stay safe?
They use control rods and coolant to regulate the chain reaction and prevent it from running away.