EduKits Education

EduKits Education
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HSC Physics

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  1. Module 1: Kinematics
    1.1 Motion in a Straight Line
  2. 1.2 Motion on a Plane
  3. Module 2: Dynamics
    2.1 Forces
  4. 2.2 Forces, Acceleration and Energy
  5. 2.3 Momentum, Energy and Simple Systems
  6. Module 3: Waves and Thermodynamics
    3.1 Wave Properties
  7. 3.2 Wave Behaviour
  8. 3.3 Sound Waves
  9. 3.4 Ray Model of Light
  10. 3.5 Thermodynamics
  11. Module 4: Electricity and Magnetism
    4.1 Electrostatics
  12. 4.2 Electric Circuits
  13. 4.3 Magnetism
  14. Module 5: Advanced Mechanics
    5.1 Projectile Motion
  15. 5.2 Circular Motion
  16. 5.3 Motion in Gravitational Fields
    2 Topics
  17. Module 6: Electromagnetism
    6.1 Charged Particles, Conductors and Electric and Magnetic Fields
  18. 6.2 The Motor Effect
    1 Topic
  19. 6.3 Electromagnetic Induction
  20. 6.4 Applications of the Motor Effect
    1 Topic
  21. Module 7: The Nature of Light
    7.1 Electromagnetic Spectrum
    3 Topics
  22. 7.2 Light: Wave Model
  23. 7.3 Light: Quantum Model
    2 Topics
  24. 7.4 Light and Special Relativity
  25. Module 8: From the Universe to the Atom
    8.1 Origins of the Elements
    5 Topics
  26. 8.2 Structure of the Atom
    3 Topics
  27. 8.3 Quantum Mechanical Nature of the Atom
    2 Topics
  28. 8.4 Properties of the Nucleus
    2 Topics
  29. 8.5 Deep Inside the Atom
    4 Topics
HSC Physics 8.4 Properties of the Nucleus Nuclear Fission
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Lesson 28, Topic 2
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Nuclear Fission

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Nuclear fission is a process of splitting a large atomic nucleus into two or more smaller nuclei known as fission products.

Fission may be spontaneous for unstable nuclei, but may also be triggered by a bombarding particle.

These reactions release a lot of energy as each particle undergoes a series of decays, each releasing kinetic energy through expelled particles.

Fission Chain Reactions

Neutrons released in fission can be absorbed by other nuclei, producing further fusion reactions.

  • If only one neutron per event is allowed to cause another fission, the reaction is controlled and self-sustaining.
  • If multiple neutrons are allowed to cause further fission, the reaction is uncontrolled and can result in an explosion.