by C. F. Powell , F.R.S.
In this series of four programmes
C. F. Powell , Professor of Physics in the University of Bristol, talks to a group of laymen about the structure of the atom, the fusion process, the fission process, and the production and use of nuclear energy.
3-The Fission Process
Diagram of an atomic power plant
The essence of the process is that when a nucleus of uranium 235 is split by a neutron, energy is released, and at the same time it emits roughly two more neutrons which in turn split two more nuclei, emitting four neutrons to split four more nuclei, and so on; this is called the chain reaction.
Professor Powell begins with a recapitulation of the fusion process-the expected source of power for the rest of time-and goes on to explain and discuss the fission process-the source of power for the immediate future.