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

10260 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Can you explain the difference between distance and displacement


Imagine a probe in space. Argon gas can be fired from the probes fuel tanks to propel the probe. Discuss whether conservation of momentum applies and whether the speed of the probe increases.


Describe (both quanititavely and qualitiatively) the energy changes of a ball of mass 0.5kg, dropped from a height of 10m and left to bounce. Make use of the law of conservation of energy.


Write the equations of motion for constant acceleration and describe each term involved. Explain how to apply these equations of motion to calculate the horizontal and vertical components of a projectile moving under the force of gravity only.


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