The breaking up of an atomic nucleus into the fragment of nearly equal size is known as

The breaking up of an atomic nucleus into the fragments of nearly equal size is known as nuclear fission. This process involves the splitting of a heavy nucleus, such as uranium or plutonium, into two lighter nuclei, called fission products, as well as the release of a large amount of energy in the form of heat and radiation. Nuclear fission can be induced by bombarding a nucleus with a neutron, which causes the nucleus to become unstable and split apart. The neutrons released from the fission can then go on to cause additional fissions in a chain reaction, releasing even more energy. Nuclear fission is the process that powers nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons. It is also responsible for the release of energy in certain natural phenomena, such as the decay of radioactive isotopes in the earth's crust and the energy output of stars.