Atomic Energy and Quantum Mechnanics
How Fission works An atomic bomb works by splitting the nuclei of atoms of uranium-235 or plutonium-239. This process, called nuclear fission, releases a tremendous amount of energy in the form of heat, light, and radiation. The first step in an atomic bomb explosion is to assemble the fissionable material into a critical mass. This is the minimum mass of fissionable material that is needed to sustain a chain reaction. Once the critical mass is assembled, a neutron is introduced into the material. This neutron can then split an atom of uranium-235 or plutonium-239, releasing two or three more neutrons. These neutrons then go on to split other atoms, creating a chain reaction. The chain reaction releases a tremendous amount of energy in a very short period of time. This energy causes the bomb to explode, creating a fireball, a shock wave, and a radioactive cloud. The amount of energy released by an atomic bomb is enormous. The bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, in 1945 released