Fission
Astronomy
The splitting of heavier atomic nuclei into lighter ones. In the case of heavy atoms (e.g., uranium, plutonium), this will release energy. Fission is how nuclear power plants produce energy.
- — Space Weather Center Glossary of Space Weather-Related Terms retrieved 2014-05-26
Astrophysics
When a nucleus breaks apart into two, more stable nuclei, the process is called fission. The energy released can be calculated by the mass defect. See also: Fusion.
- — The Universe Adventure Glossary retrieved 2014-05-20
Science› Biotechnology and Genetics
Food Biotechnology
Asexual reproduction involving the division of a single-celled individual into two daughter single-celled individuals of approximately equal size.
Nuclear Physics
The splitting of a heavy nucleus into two roughly equal parts (which are nuclei of lighter elements), accompanied by the release of a relatively large amount of energy in the form of kinetic energy of the two parts and in the form of emission of neutrons and gamma rays.
- — Glossary of Nuclear Science Terms retrieved 2014-05-20