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In physics, fission is the process in which a heavy, unstable element is split into two lighter elements by bombarding it with a small particle. Some of the energy that was binding the element's nucleus together is then released, along with a third, tiny particle that is released as well. The tiny particle then collides with another of the heavy elements, causing it to split as well, emitting another particle which collides with another heavy element, and so on. This is the chain reaction that allows for sustainable nuclear power generation, in which the reaction is controlled, or the detonation of nuclear weapons, in which the reaction is uncontrolled.

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What is the study of fission and fusion?

Nuclear physics


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