Related Terms. Ratio of the density of a substance at 20Â°C or 68Â°F to the density of water at 4Â°C or 39.2Â°F.
Nuclear fission. NUCLEAR FISSION. Nuclear fission is a reaction in which an atom's nucleus is broken apart, releasing a tremendous amount of energy. Nuclear fission is used in many power plants on Earth (and is used in atomic weapons). nuclear fission: Reaction that splits nuclei into less massive fragments.nuclear fusion: Reaction that joins the nuclei of atoms to form more massive nuclei. - (n.). The splitting of an atomic nucleus into two large fragments. nuclear fusion - (n.) ... ~ reactors naturally produce free neutron s; their role is to sustain the energy-producing chain reaction.
In nuclear fission, an unstable atom splits into two or more smaller pieces that are more stable, and releases energy in the process. The fission process also releases extra neutrons, which can then split additional atoms, resulting in a chain reaction that releases a lot of energy.