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

10546 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe the purpose of the moderator in a nuclear fission reactor.


Why is the sky blue?


a )John heats up 2kg of water from 20 degrees c to 80 degrees c. How much energy input did this require? b )When John weighs the water at the end, he has less than he started with. Why might this be? c) What hazards are in this experiment?


Describe an experiment to determine the spring constant of a spring? Your answer should include any causes of inaccuracy.


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