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Nuclear Fission

Start a chain reaction, or introduce non-radioactive isotopes to prevent one. Control energy production in a nuclear reactor! (Previously part of the Nuclear Physics simulation - now there are separate Alpha Decay and Nuclear Fission sims.)

 
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Version 3.18
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Topics Teaching Ideas Software Requirements Translated Versions Credits

Topics

Main Topics

  • Nuclear Fission
  • Chain Reactions
  • Nuclear Reactors

Related Topics

Sample Learning Goals

  • Describe how a neutron can give energy to a nucleus and cause it to fission.
  • Explain the byproducts of a fission event.
  • Explain how a chain reaction works, and describe the requirements for a sustained chain reaction large enough to make a bomb.
  • Explain how a nuclear reactor works and how control rods can be used to slow down the reaction.

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Teaching Ideas

Tips for Teachers

The teacher's guide contains tips for teachers created by the PhET team (PDF).

Ideas and Activities for this Sim

There are 5 contributions listed.

Ascending Sort (Z-A)Title Author Level Type Updated
Exploring Fission (inquiry) K. GatesMS
HS		Lab2/09
Exploring Nuclear Energy T. RadilHSLab10/08
Mrs Mrs. MahdaviHSDemo10/09
Nuclear Physics Simulation Homework Designed by PhET IconK. PerkinsHS
UG-Intro		HW11/08
Radioactive Decay, Fission and Chain Reactions D. DandaneauUG-Intro
HS		Lab
Other		4/09

Submit Your Ideas & Activities

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Software Requirements

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Windows Systems Macintosh Systems Linux Systems
Microsoft Windows XP/Vista/7
Sun Java 1.5.0_15 or later
 OS 10.4.11 or later
Apple Java 1.5.0_19 or later
 Sun Java 1.5.0_15 or later

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Translated Versions

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Credits

Design Team Third-party Libraries Thanks To
  • Wendy Adams
  • John Blanco (developer)
  • Ron LeMaster (developer)
  • Sam McKagan
  • Noah Podolefsky
  • Kathy Perkins
  • Carl Wieman
  • Interviewer: Wendy Adams
  • Interviewer: Danielle Harlow
  • Piccolo
  • JFreeChart
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