Nuclei consist of nucleons (neutrons and protons), the total number of which is equal to the mass number of the nucleus. The denser the element, the more energy it takes to break its nucleus apart. The collision results in nuclear fission. The Ringhals Nuclear Power Plant, home to four reactors capable of generating 20% of Sweden’s electricity demand (Image: Vattenfall) A nuclear reactor is driven by the splitting of atoms, a process called fission, where a particle (a ‘neutron’) is fired at an atom, which then fissions into two smaller atoms and some additional neutrons. At nuclear power plants across the country, highly trained workers monitor an ongoing chain reaction that generates heat and steam, which is … Nuclear fusion – two smaller atoms are brought together, usually hydrogen or hydrogen isotopes (deuterium, tritium), to form a larger one (helium isotopes); this is how the sun produces energy. Our largest source of clean energy uses a process you can’t see: fission. When we cause nuclear fission or fusion, the nuclear binding energy can be released. Nuclear fission occurs when a larger isotope breaks apart into two or more elements. The principles of nuclear power were formulated by physicists in the early 20th century. What does that mean? Nuclear fission is a process in nuclear physics in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei as fission products, and usually some by-product particles. Nobody knows! The nuclear fission of uranium-235 is shown in the following equation: […] But how do nuclear reactors work exactly? This is how nuclear fission and fusion can be used to produce electricity. They yield millions of times more energy than other sources through nuclear reactions. Nuclear fission is the process of splitting apart nuclei (usually large nuclei). In 1939, German scientists discovered the process of fission, triggering a race with US scientists to use the incredible power of fission to create a bomb. Nuclear fission - Nuclear fission - Fundamentals of the fission process: The fission process may be best understood through a consideration of the structure and stability of nuclear matter. The common definition for nuclear energy is the energy released by a chain reaction, especially by fission or fusion. How Does it Work? Nuclear fission produces the atomic bomb, a weapon of mass destruction that uses power released by the splitting of atomic nuclei. Nuclear fission produces insane amounts of ... confirmed a "partial" meltdown. The McMaster Nuclear Reactor is a medium flux nuclear fission reactor with a light water moderator and an open pool design. Fission and fusion are two physical processes that produce massive amounts of energy from atoms. The Atomic Bomb. Nuclear energy provides efficient and reliable electricity around the world. 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