Nuclear fission is a process in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two
or more smaller nuclei, which are called ¯ssion products. Fission can happen
spontaneously, but also be triggered by the impact of neutrons. During this
process, by-products are released that include free neutrons, photons, usually
in the form of gamma radiation, and other nuclear fragments such as beta
particles and alpha particles. The fission of heavy elements can release huge
amounts of energy, both as gamma rays and as kinetic energy of the fragments.
VAN DER MEER Juliette;
2006-11-03
JRC35138
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