Mr. Hart's
Energy Project
Nuclear Fission
The word 'fission' means to split an object into two or more parts. Nuclear fission is the process of splitting the nucleus of an atom apart. When this happens, the energy that was stored in the bonds between the protons and nuetrons is released.
If fission occurs in large quantities, then huge amounts of heat can be generated. In an uncontrolled case, this huge amount of energy can turn in a bomb. However, if this process is controlled, then the huge amount of heat can be used to generate electricity in very large quantities.
A nuclear fission plant works similarly to a traditional fossil fuel plant as shown in the diagram below. In a fission plant:
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A radioactive material (ex. uranium) is harvested and used as fuel.
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The energy from the nuclear fission process heats up water.
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The water turns to steam and then turns a turbine.
Although this process is very similar to fossil fuels, nuclear fission plants generate huge amounts of energy. A single pellet of uranium creates as much energy as 1 ton of coal. However, after the uranium is used, it is considered a biohazard that needs to be disposed of.
To learn more about nuclear fission plants, visit:
