Explain the process of nuclear fission.

I would start by defining nuclear fission: 'Nuclear fission is the process of splitting up atoms and harnessing the energy from the reaction.' I would then proceed to explain how this occurs: 'Fission happens when a neutron is fired at high speed at a large nucleus, often Uranium or Plutonium. This extra addition of a neutron makes the nucleus highly unstable, and it splits into two smaller nuclei, plus a few extra neutrons. These extra neutrons go on to split more nuclei, starting a chain reaction of atom splitting. Each event of fission creates energy, and the energy from the reaction as a whole is harnessed.

RS
Answered by Rob S. Physics tutor

10262 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

The amplitude of a simple harmonic oscillator has decreased from 40cm to 38cm. What percentage of energy did the harmonic oscillator lose?


What led to the Plum Pudding model being replaced by Rutherford's nuclear model of the atom? (6 marks)


A transformer has an input voltage of 4V, an output voltage of 8V and 50 turns on its primary coil. Assuming 100% efficiency, find the number of turns on the secondary coil.


What is the difference between longditudinal and transverse waves?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning