Fissions
Fissions refers to the act or process of splitting something into two or more parts, often with a significant release of energy. It is most commonly associated with the nuclear reaction where a heavy nucleus, such as uranium, divides into two or more lighter nuclei, releasing a substantial amount of energy in the form of kinetic energy of the fragments and in the form of gamma rays and neutrons. This process is fundamental to nuclear power generation and nuclear weapons. Beyond nuclear science, "fission" can also be used metaphorically to describe the separation or division of any unified entity, whether it be an organization, a concept, or even a relationship. The core idea is always a breaking apart, a fragmentation, or a division of a whole into its constituent parts.
Fissions meaning with examples
- The controlled nuclear fissions in the reactor core generated the heat needed to boil water and produce steam. This steam, in turn, drove turbines, generating electricity, a process critical to providing power to thousands of homes. This highlights how important it is to have the correct uranium isotope for nuclear reactors. The process is carefully controlled for the safety of the reactor.
- Scientists studying the atom have learned that the unstable nucleus undergoes fissions when bombarded with neutrons. This process of splitting released a significant amount of energy. The energy output of the nuclear reaction is based on the mass and the instability of the atom in question, which highlights the energy packed inside of atoms.
- Political scientists feared the proposed constitutional changes would lead to a fission of the already fragile coalition. This fragmentation of the established order would have significant repercussions for the country. In essence, it was a metaphoric use of a physical process to show how groups come apart.
- After years of disagreements, the company experienced an unfortunate fission of its research and development department. Half of the team wanted to pursue one project direction while the other half chose another route. This split was very detrimental and slowed down the R&D process for years afterward.
- The prolonged stresses in the relationship eventually led to an emotional fission, with both parties seeking separate lives. This division created a sense of loss. The split involved an inability to maintain the former unity. This is a good example of fission in a metaphorical sense of breaking apart.