Enter the mass of the original molecule and the mass of the molecules after the reaction to determine the energy released from fission.

## Fission Reaction Energy Release Formula

The following equation is used to calculate the Fission Reaction Energy Release.

Ef = (Mi-MF)*c^2
• Where Ef is the energy released from fission (J)
• Mi is the initial mass of the molecules (kg)
• Mf is the final mass of the molecules after the reaction (kg)
• c is the speed of light (299 792 458 m / s)

To calculate the energy released from a fission reaction, multiply the change in mass by the speed of light.

## What is Fission?

Definition:

Fission is a process of nuclear fusion in which the nucleus of an atom splits into smaller parts, often producing free neutrons and photons (among other atomic particles). This is accompanied by the release or absorption of large amounts of energy.

Unlike fusion, fission is not mediated by strong nuclear force but by weaker forces. However, it does require high temperatures.

Fission reactions are used to generate power in nuclear reactors and as a source of neutrons to induce further fission reactions such as those that occur in thermonuclear weapons. Most fissions are binary fissions (producing two lighter nuclei), but occasionally (2×10-6%), three positively charged fragments are made in a ternary fission.

## How to Calculate Fission Reaction Energy Release?

Example Problem:

The following example outlines the steps and information needed to calculate Fission Reaction Energy Release.

First, determine the original mass of the molecules. In this example, the original mass is found to be 10.00345kg.

Next, determine the final mass of the molecules after the reaction. For this problem, the final mass is 10.00211kg.

Finally, calculate the energy release using the formula above:

Ef = (Mi-MF)*c^2

Ef = (10.00345-10.00211)*299,792,458^2

Ef = 1.2043319e^14 Joules