CBSE · Class 10 · Science · Sources of EnergyWhat is nuclear fission? Name the fuel commonly used in nuclear reactors and briefly describe how electricity is generated in these power plants.

Nuclear fission is a nuclear reaction in which the heavy nucleus of a radioactive atom, such as uranium-235 or plutonium, splits into two or more smaller nuclei when bombarded with low-energy neutrons, releasing an enormous amount of energy along with additional neutrons. The fuel commonly used is Uranium-235. In a nuclear power plant, this fission reaction is carried out in a controlled manner inside a nuclear reactor. The massive amount of thermal energy released during the fission process is used to heat water and convert it into high-pressure steam. This steam drives the turbines connected to electrical generators, thereby producing electricity efficiently without burning fossil fuels.