What phenomenon occurs when uranium nuclei are split to produce energy?

The phenomenon that occurs when uranium nuclei are split to produce energy is nuclear fission. This process involves the division of a heavy atomic nucleus, such as uranium-235, into two or more lighter nuclei, along with the release of a significant amount of energy, neutrons, and gamma radiation. In nuclear fission, the released neutrons can further induce fission reactions in nearby nuclei, leading to a chain reaction, which is the principle behind both nuclear reactors and atomic bombs. The energy produced is harnessed for generating electricity in power plants.

Nuclear fusion, on the other hand, involves the combination of light atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus and is the process that powers stars, including the sun. Radiation refers to the emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or subatomic particles and does not specifically identify the energy production method. Thermal conduction is a physics concept describing the transfer of heat energy between materials but is unrelated to nuclear processes. The distinction among these concepts is crucial in understanding various energy production methods and their underlying mechanisms.