Nuclear Fission
Nuclear process where a heavy atomic nucleus splits into lighter nuclei, releasing energy, neutrons, and radiation.
Typically induced by thermal neutrons in U-235 or Pu-239, fission yields ~200 MeV per event, primarily as kinetic energy of fragments. Chain reactions sustain power in reactors when criticality is achieved. Fission powers all commercial nuclear plants today.
Why it matters now
Fission remains core to 2025-2026 market growth via SMRs and restarts, contrasting fusion demos amid data center demand for reliable GW-scale output.