![]() This binding energy is released during the formation of a nucleus.This difference is known as the mass defect and is a measure of the total binding energy (and, hence, the stability) of the nucleus.The actual mass of a nucleus is always less than the sum of the masses of nucleons.The nuclei of other heavy elements, such as thorium also fissionable, but with fast neutrons.U-238 has a small probability for spontaneous fission and also a small probability of fission when bombarded with fast neutrons, but it is not useful as a nuclear fuel source.Uranium-238 can undergo fission when bombarded with fast neutrons only.The other isotope can undergo fission upon slow-neutron bombardment is uranium-233.A fast neutron will not be captured, so neutrons must be slowed down by moderation to increase their capture probability in fission reactors.Uranium-235 can undergo fission when bombarded with slow neutrons only.Uranium is the most common fissile used in nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons.If uncontrolled, it can lead to an enormous explosion. If controlled in a nuclear reactor, such a chain reaction can be used to generate power.These neutrons can induce fission in a nearby nucleus of fissionable material and release more neutrons causing a chain reaction.įissionable material → That can undergo nuclear fission chain reaction.įissile → That can undergo Controlled or Self-Sustained nuclear fission chain Reaction.In the fission process, radioactive products are formed, and several neutrons are emitted.The nuclear fission process may take place spontaneously in some cases or may be induced by the excitation of the nucleus with a variety of particles (neutrons, protons, deuterons, or alpha particles) or with electromagnetic radiation in the form of gamma rays.Įndothermic = Absorption of Heat during a reaction. Įxothermic = Liberation of Heat during a reaction. The fission process often produces free neutrons and gamma photons, and releases a very large amount of energy.In nuclear physics, nuclear fission is a radioactive decay process in which the nucleus of an atom splits into smaller parts.It was explained theoretically in 1939 by Lise Meitner and Otto Robert Frisch.Nuclear fission of heavy elements was discovered in 1938 by German Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann.The discovery of nuclear fission began with the discovery of the neutron in 1932 by James Chadwick in England.Mains: Science and technology – developments and their applications and effects in everyday life. ![]() Types of Nuclear Reactors: Light-water reactor (LWR) and Pressurized Heavy-Water Reactor (PHWR) and more. Nuclear Fission – Nuclear Reactor: Nuclear Reactor Coolant, Moderator, Control Rods Criticality etc. ![]()
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