Fission Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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fission
[ˈfɪʃən ]
Definition
nuclear energy
Fission is the process of splitting a heavy atomic nucleus into two lighter nuclei, along with the release of a significant amount of energy. This release of energy can be harnessed for power generation or is a fundamental reaction in nuclear weapons. It is the opposite of fusion, where light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus.
Synonyms
division, scission, splitting.
Examples of usage
- Nuclear reactors utilize controlled fission to produce electricity.
- The fission of uranium-235 is the key reaction in atomic bombs.
- Scientists study fission to improve energy efficiency.
- Fission releases energy that can cause chain reactions.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- Fission is responsible for the energy produced in nuclear power plants, supplying electricity to millions.
- Unlike fusion, which powers the sun, fission involves splitting heavy atoms, like uranium or plutonium.
- The fission process can trigger a chain reaction, where the split atoms lead to the fission of more atoms, releasing vast amounts of energy.
History
- The first controlled nuclear fission reaction was achieved in December 1942 by scientists at the University of Chicago.
- Fission played a crucial role during World War II, leading to the development of atomic bombs.
- The discovery of fission earned the 1944 Nobel Prize in Physics for Otto Hahn, a significant figure in this scientific breakthrough.
Pop Culture
- Fission has appeared in numerous films and books as a source of conflict or energy, often portrayed in science fiction narratives.
- The concept of fission is a central theme in movies like 'The China Syndrome', which explores nuclear safety and disasters.
- Video games often incorporate nuclear fission themes, where players utilize or combat nuclear reactions in strategic gameplay.
Environmental Impact
- While fission provides large amounts of energy, it also raises concerns about radioactive waste management.
- Nuclear fission reactions produce long-lived radioactive isotopes, which must be carefully stored to protect the environment.
- Debates continue about the sustainability of fission as a long-term energy solution, given global climate change challenges.
Origin of 'fission'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'fission' comes from the Latin word 'fissio', meaning 'to split'.
- Fission was first formally described in the context of nuclear reactions in the 1940s.
- The word was popularized around the time of World War II, when research on nuclear energy intensified.
The term 'fission' originates from the Latin word 'fissio', meaning 'a cleaving or splitting'. The word gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in the context of nuclear physics. The first significant observations of fission occurred in 1938 when German scientists Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann discovered that bombarding uranium with neutrons could lead to the splitting of the nucleus, which was later explained theoretically by Lise Meitner and Otto Frisch. This breakthrough not only opened the door for the development of nuclear power as an energy source but also played a crucial role in the creation of nuclear weapons during World War II. Thus, fission remains a pivotal concept in both energy science and global political dynamics, reflecting its profound implications for society.