Bucayan, Julian D.

NatSci TF 4:30-6:00
AB Mass Comm Aug. 6, 2010

Nuclear Fission

What is Nuclear Fission?

Nuclear Fission, in nuclear physics and nuclear chemistry, is a nuclear reaction in which the
nucleus of an atom splits into smaller parts, often producing free neutrons and lighter nuclei, which
may eventually produce photons (in the form of gamma rays). Fission of heavy elements is an
exothermic reaction which can release large amounts of energy both as electromagnetic radiation and
as kinetic energy of the fragments. For fission to produce energy, the total binding energy of the
resulting elements has to be higher than that of the starting element. Fission is a form of nuclear
transmutation because the resulting fragments are not the same element as the original atom.

For What Purpose?

Nuclear fission produces energy for nuclear power and to drive the explosion of nuclear weapons.
Both uses are made possible because certain substances called nuclear fuels undergo fission when
struck by free neutrons and in turn generate neutrons when they break apart. This makes possible a self-
sustaining chain reaction that releases energy at a controlled rate in a nuclear reactor or at a very rapid
uncontrolled rate in a nuclear weapon.
A commercial nuclear fission reactor is used to generate electricity in a controlled fission reaction
that heats water into steam, and uses the steam to drive turbines, which in turn drive generators, and
creates electricity. France is the largest producer of nuclear power (proportionately), with over 75% of
its electricity nuclear generated.

How It Works:
To create nuclear fission, the material must be collected. A free neutron is then shot toward the atom's
nucleus. The U-235 isotope absorbs the neutron in its nucleus, but that causes the delicate structure to
become unstable. Therefore, it splits almost immediately. The neutrons set free in the process are what
causes the energy release. While they seemingly disappear, Einstein's theory notes they are not gone,
simply converted into energy.

Advantages:
The biggest advantage is that it is an established way to generate electricity without emitting carbon
dioxide. This is more and more important as global warming becomes a real threat to the environment.
• It also does not emit other pollutants into the air, such as smog or particulates.
• nuclear power production does not contribute any harmful gases to the atmosphere. no carbon, no
acid, no sulfur. It is safe, contained, and can produce as much as 5 lbs. of coal with a fuel pellet
weighing 6 grams.
• They also make 15% of the world's electricity.
Disadvantages:
The disadvantages of nuclear energy can be very harmful to people and animals.
Nuclear power plants produce nuclear waste after making the electricity the bad thing about this that
the waste can not be thrown away like garbage.
Nuclear energy can be used for evil like in nuclear and hydrogen bombs.
The radiation from the nuclear energy can kill millions of people like when America dropped the atom
bomb on Hiroshima thousands of people died years later from being exposed to the radiation.
The energy source for nuclear energy is Uranium. Uranium is a scarce resource, its supply is estimated
to last only for the next 30 to 60 years depending on the actual demand.