Explain Nuclear fission reaction with an example.

Explanation

Nuclear fission. A process in which a heavy nucleus disintegrates into two ligher nuclei of nearly the same masses is called nuclear fission.
Example. When slow neutrons are bombarded on a heavy nucleus of `""_(92)U^(235)` it produces two lighter nuclei of Ba and Kr and tremendous amount of energy. The nuclear reaction can be represented as follows :
`""_(92)U^(235)+n^(1) rarr ""_(56)Ba^(141)+""_(36)Kr^(92)+3 ""_(0)n^(1)+Delta Q`
Importance of nuclear fission
1. Controlled nuclear fission is used in number of yields e.g.
(i) to prepare radio isotopes.
(ii) to generate power for propulsion of ships, submarine and aircrafts.
(iii) to produce plutonium for explosive purpose.
2. Uncontrolled nuclear fission is used in atom bomb.