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“TITLE OF PROJECT”
NUCLEAR FISSION

“SUB-THEME OF PROJECT”

NUCLEAR REACTION

“THEME OF PROJECT”
NUCLEAR FISSION

PHYSICS PROJECT
REPORT
SACHIN............................................................................................................

Roll No.: …………20……….…………

Class: ………XII th……… Stream: NON MEDICAL… Section…

B…….

Submitted to: AJAY SING MOR & VIRENDER SIR

Designation: PGT / LECTURER

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GOVERNMENT MODEL SANSKRITI SR. SEC.

SCHOOL, ROHTAK
(Affiliated to CBSE)

Session: 2024-25
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OBJECTIVES
We will be able to:
1. To know the definition of a projectile and to use concepts of force and
inertia to explain the manner in which gravity affects a projectile.
2. To be able to describe the horizontal and vertical components of the
velocity of a projectile.
3. To be able to numerically describe the various features associated with
a projectile’s trajectory (e.g., components of displacement, velocity
and
acceleration).
4. To use kinematic equations to analyze and solve horizontally-launched
projectile problems.
5. To use kinematic equations to analyze and solve angle-launched
projectile problems.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my special thanks of gratitude to my PHYSICS

teachers AJAY SINGH MOR & VIRENDER SIR who gave me the golden
opportunity to do this wonderful project on the topic NUCLEAR FISSION “
who also supported me in doing a lot of Research and I came to know
about so many new things. I am really thankful to him / them.
Secondly, I would also like to thank my parents and friends who
helped me a lot in finalizing this project within the limited time frame.

Signature
& Name of
Student

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CONTENTS

S. NO. SECTION PAGE

NO.

1 INTRODUCTION 1

2
2 PROCEDURE
3
3 RESULT

4
4 CONCLUSION
5
5 DISCUSSION
6
6 APPENDICES
7
7 REFERENCES

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INTRODUCTION
Nuclear fission is a process in which the nucleus of a heavy atom,
such as uranium- 235 or plutonium-239, splits into two smaller nuclei,
releasing a significant amount of energy. This phenomenon occurs
when a heavy nucleus absorbs a neutron, becoming unstable and
breaking apart into two fragments, along with additional neutrons and
energy.

The discovery of nuclear fission occurred in 1938, when German

scientists Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann demonstrated the process,
later explained theoretically by Lise Meitner and her nephew Otto
Frisch. They showed that when a heavy nucleus is split, the mass of the
resulting nuclei is slightly less than the original nucleus. This “missing”
mass is converted into energy, as described by Einstein’s equation, E =
mc².

Nuclear fission has two major applications:

Nuclear Power

1: The energy released from fission is harnessed in nuclear

reactors to generate electricity. Controlled reactions in reactors provide
a steady energy output.

Nuclear Weapons:

2: Uncontrolled fission reactions form the basis of atomic bombs,

leading to devastating explosisons

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PROCEDURE
The process of nuclear fission involves the following steps:

1. Neutron Absorption

A heavy nucleus (such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239) absorbs a

neutron.

This absorption forms an unstable compound nucleus, increasing its

energy.

2. Nuclear Instability and Splitting

The compound nucleus becomes highly unstable due to the

additional energy.

2 It undergoes deformation and splits into two smaller nuclei (called

fission fragments).

3. Release of Energy

A significant amount of energy is released in the form of heat and

radiation.

This energy comes from the conversion of mass into energy, as per
Einstein’s equation

4. Emission of Neutrons

Along with the fission fragments, 2-3 free neutrons are also
released.

These neutrons can go ort to initiate further fission reactions,

creating a chain

Reaction

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RESULT
The result of nuclear fission
involves several key outcomes:
1. Fission Fragments

The original heavy nucleus (such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239) splits

into two smaller nuclei called fission fragments. These fragments are
usually unstable and highly radioactive. Common fission products are
elements like barium, krypton, iodine, and cesium, which often undergo
further radioactive decay.

2. Release of Energy

A substantial amount of energy is released in the form of heat, light, and

radiation. The energy comes from the conversion of a small amount of
mass into energy, according to Einstein’s equation.

The amount of energy released per fission event is approximately 200

MeV (million electron volts). This energy is harnessed in nuclear power
plants to generate electricity.

3. Emission of Neutrons

During fission, 2-3 free neutrons are emitted. These neutrons can induce
further fission reactions in nearby nuclei, leading to a chain reaction. This
is crucial in both nuclear reactors (for energy generation) and nuclear
weapons (for rapid explosions).

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CONCLUSION

The “ey outcomes of nuclear fission include:

1. Energy Release: A large amount of energy is produced in the form of

heat and radiation, which can be used for electricity generation in
nuclear power plants.

2. Fission Fragments: The fission process creates smaller, unstable

nuclei, which are often radioactive and pose environmental and
safety risks in the form of nuclear waste.

3. Free Neutrons: Neutrons released during fission can induce further

reactions, leading to a chain reaction in reactors or explosive
detonation in nuclear weapons.

Nuclear fission has revolutionized energy production but also raises

concerns over its safety, radioactive waste management, and the
potential for its use in weaponry. While the technology holds great
potential, its proper handling, regulation, and management are essential
to ensure its benefits outweigh its risks.

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DISCUSSION

Nuclear fission is one of the most significant discoveries in modern physics, with profound implications for
energy production, science, and global politics. The process involves splitting a heavy atomic nucleus into two
smaller nuclei, which releases a massive amount of energy. However, it also presents complex challenges and
issues that warrant careful examination. Here’s a comprehensive discussion of nuclear fission:

Mechanism of Nuclear Fission

The process of nuclear fission begins when a fissile atom, typically

uranium-235 or plutonium-239, absorbs a neutron, making it highly
unstable. This instability causes the nucleus to split into two smaller, more
stable nuclei, known as fission fragments. In addition to the fragments,
several neutrons are released, as well as a substantial amount of energy
in the form of heat and radiation.

This energy release is incredibly efficient due to the conversion of mass

into energy according to Einstein’s equation. The total energy released per
fission event is far greater than the chemical energy released in traditional
combustion processes, making nuclear fission an incredibly powerful
energy source.

Applications of Nuclear Fission

1. Energy Production (Nuclear Power):

Nuclear fission is the principle behind nuclear power generation. In

reactors, controlled fission chain reactions generate large amounts of
heat, which is used to produce steam. This steam drives turbines
connected to electricity generators,

Providing a significant share of the world’s electricity. Nuclear reactors

operate efficiently, produce a steady output of power, and generate little
greenhouse gas compared to fossil fuel-based power stations. However,

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they do create radioactive waste, which remains dangerous for thousands

of years and requires careful management.

APPENDICES
Appendix A: Nuclear Fission Overview

Definition: A nuclear reaction in which a heavy nucleus splits into two

smaller nuclei, releasing a significant amount of energy.

Primary Isotopes Used: Uranium-235 and Plutonium-239.

Applications:

Nuclear power generation.

Nuclear weapons.

Medical isotopes production.

Appendix B: Fundamental Concepts

Critical Mass: The minimum amount of fissile material needed to sustain a

chain reaction.

Neutron Moderation: Slowing down neutrons to enhance the probability of

fission.

Energy Release: Each fission reaction releases approximately 200 MeV of

energy.

Appendix C: By-products of Nuclear Fission

Fission Fragments: Smaller nuclei like Xenon-137, Strontium-90, Cesium-

137.

Neutrons: Free neutrons that can initiate further fission reactions.

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Radiation: Alpha, beta, and gamma radiation emitted during and after the
reaction.

REFERENCES
[1] PHYSICS-XI, NCERT, Delhi, Vol. (2) .
[2] S. L. ARORA, New Simplified physics -XII,
[3] GOOGLE AND CHAT GPT.

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