Nuclear Fission

1. What is atomic mass unit (a.m.u)?


The symbol for the atomic mass unit is u.

1 u is defined as 1/12 x ( mass of the carbon-12 atom)

1 u = 1,66 x 10 ^-27 kg.

2. Describe nuclear fission.



A nuclear fission is a nuclear reaction in which a heavy nucleus splits into split into two or more lighter nuclei which the release of energy.

The nucleon number and proton number must be balanced in the nuclear equation.

3. Describe chain reactions.



A chain reaction is a process in which at least one neutron produced in a fission induces a second fission.
A neutron produced in the second fission induces a third fission, and the process is repeated.