Nuclear fission is the process where a large nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei, releasing energy and neutrons. When a nucleus undergoes fission, it splits into fragments that are about half the original mass, along with two or three neutrons. This mass difference is converted to a large amount of energy according to Einstein's equation. Nuclear fission of heavy elements such as uranium was discovered in 1938 and provided an explanation for the large energy release compared to combustion.

1. By,
Kaaviya AV

2. Definition
Nuclear fission is the process in
which a large nucleus splits into two
smaller nuclei with the release of
energy. In other words, fission the
process in which a nucleus is
divided into two or more fragments,
and neutrons and energy are
released.

3. • The mass changes and associated energy changes in
nuclear reactions are significant. For example, the
energy released from the nuclear reaction of 1 kg of
uranium is equivalent to the energy released during
the combustion of about four billion kilograms of coal.

5. Whena nucleus fissions, it splits intoseveral smaller
fragments. Thesefragments, or fission products, are about
equal to half the original mass. Two or three neutrons are also
emitted. The sum of the masses of these fragments is less than
the original mass. This'missing' mass (about 0.1 percentof the
original mass) has been converted intoenergy according to
Einstein's equation.
Fissioncan occur whena nucleus of a heavy atomcaptures a
neutron, or it can happenspontaneously.

6. • Nuclear fission of heavy elements was discovered
on December 17, 1938 by German Otto Hahn and
his assistant Fritz Strassmann,
• And explained theoretically in January 1939 by
Lise Meitner and her nephew Otto Robert Frisch.