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Nuclear energy, measured in millions of electron volts (MeV), is released by the [[fusion]] of two light nuclei, as when two heavy hydrogen nuclei, deuterons (ªH), combine in the reaction producing a helium-3 atom, a free neutron (¦n), and 3.2 MeV, or 5.1 × 10-13 J (1.2 × 10-13 cal). Nuclear energy is also released when the fission of a heavy nucleus such as ¯U is induced by the absorption of a neutron as in producing cesium-140, rubidium-93, three neutrons, and 200 MeV, or 3.2 × 10-11 J (7.7 × 10-12 cal). A nuclear fission reaction releases 10 million times as much energy as is released in a typical chemical reaction.
'''Nuclear fission''' is a process where a large atomic nucleus (such as [[Wikipedia:Uranium|uranium]]) is split into smaller particles. A nuclear fission reaction releases millions of times the amount of energy as is released in a typical chemical reaction, making it an efficient source of energy.
[[Category: Physics]]
 
For centuries, [[human]]ity has used nuclear fission for energy production through nuclear power, as well as [[nuclear weapon]]s. Both uses are possible because certain substances, called nuclear fuels, undergo fission when struck by fission neutrons, and in turn emit neutrons when they break apart. This enables 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.
 
While [[Nuclear fusion|fusion power]] and [[hydrogen]] fuel cells have been developed alongside traditional fission power, humanity continues to employ fission in auxiliary starship reactors and nuclear weaponry.<ref>'''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''', "[[The Impossible Life and the Possible Death of Preston J. Cole]]", ''page 445'' (2009 paperback); ''page 289'' (2010 Volume 1 paperback)</ref>
 
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}
 
[[Category:Physics]]

Latest revision as of 16:22, March 23, 2022

Wikipedia.png
 There is more information available on this subject at Nuclear fission on the English Wikipedia.

Nuclear fission is a process where a large atomic nucleus (such as uranium) is split into smaller particles. A nuclear fission reaction releases millions of times the amount of energy as is released in a typical chemical reaction, making it an efficient source of energy.

For centuries, humanity has used nuclear fission for energy production through nuclear power, as well as nuclear weapons. Both uses are possible because certain substances, called nuclear fuels, undergo fission when struck by fission neutrons, and in turn emit neutrons when they break apart. This enables 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.

While fusion power and hydrogen fuel cells have been developed alongside traditional fission power, humanity continues to employ fission in auxiliary starship reactors and nuclear weaponry.[1]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe, "The Impossible Life and the Possible Death of Preston J. Cole", page 445 (2009 paperback); page 289 (2010 Volume 1 paperback)
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