Nuclear Fission

Nuclear Fission

Nuclear fission is the splitting up of an atomic nuclei.

Nuclear reactors power things like nuclear power stations and nuclear submarines.

In a nuclear reactor a controlled chain reaction takes place.

1) Atomic nuclei split up and release heat energy.

2) This heat energy is used to heat up water.

3) The water drives a steam turbine.

The fuel is usually uranium-235 or plutonium-239.

The chain reaction:

• If…