Breaking Elements Apart with Nuclear Fission

In the 1930s, scientists discovered that some nuclear reactions can be initiated and controlled. Scientists usually accomplished this task by bombarding a large isotope with a second, smaller one — commonly a neutron. The collision caused the larger Isotope to break apart into two or more elements, which is called nuclear fission. The following equation shows the nuclear fission of uranium-235  

Mass defect Where does alt that ener come from  

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When the element uranium is bombarded by neutrons, a unique reaction called fission takes place. The uranium nucleus breaks into two pieces, which fly apart with a large release of energy. In addition, several extra neutrons are emitted. These cause more uranium nuclei to split apart, which creates more energy and more neutrons in a so-called chain reaction process. In an atomic bomb, the chain reaction becomes an uncontrolled explosion. In a nuclear power plant, the chain reaction is maintained in a steady state by control rods which absorb extra neutrons. 

Plutonium has two important uses. First, some of its isotopes will undergo nuclear fission. Nuclear fission is a process in which an element is bombarded with neutrons. The element breaks apart into simpler elements, releasing large amounts of energy. Plutonium has been used to... 

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