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Nuclear fission is a physical process in which the nucleus of a fissile atom (such as Uranium-235 (U-235)) absorbs a free neutron and becomes unstable. The nucleus then splits into two smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy, additional neutrons, and various byproducts. The released neutrons can go on to trigger further fission events, allowing a chain reaction to develop.
Nuclear fission is the process used in nuclear reactors to generate electricity in a controlled manner. It is also the physical principle behind the explosive energy release in atomic bombs, where the reaction occurs in an uncontrolled form.