Nuclear Fission and Fusion

The splittimg up of a big atomic Nuclei.

• Nuclear Reactors generate electricity in nuclear power stations.
• Inside the reactor, a controlled chain reaction takes place, and the nucleus is split up, releasing energy in the form of heat.
• Heat is used to heat up water, creating steam to turn a turbine.
• The turbine is connected to an electricty generator.

Often, the fuel used for splitting up is Uranium-235, Plutonium-239 or a combination of both.