GCSE Physics (AQA)

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Nuclear Fission

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Atomic structure Nuclear fission and fusion

Nuclear Fission

3:11 Nuclear Energy
Spec 4.4.4.1
Previous Radiation in Cancer Treatment Next Energy from Nuclear Fission
  • Nuclear fission is the process of a large nucleus splitting apart to become more stable.
  • Nuclei are made up of protons and neutrons.
  • Fission can happen to large nuclei that are too big to be held together, producing smaller nuclei and neutrons.
  • The total number of protons and neutrons doesn't change during fission.
  • Fission reactions rarely occur spontaneously.
  • Uranium-235 is an isotope capable of fission but cannot do it spontaneously.
  • Fission reactions usually occur when a large nucleus absorbs a neutron.
  • A slow-moving neutron is easily absorbed by the nucleus, making it too large and unstable, leading to fission.
  • During fission, the nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei roughly equal in size.
  • Neutrons and gamma rays are also released during fission.
  • Smaller nuclei typically undergo beta decay to become stable.
  • During beta decay, a neutron becomes a proton, and an electron is released, making the nuclei more stable.
  • Further decays may occur before the nuclei become completely stable.
  • Understanding nuclear fission and its process is important for exams.

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