Page 18 - GALIET PHYSICS BLOSSOMS IV+

HOW NUCLEAR FISSION WORKS
• Uranium is the key element in nuclear reactors and some atomic bombs.
• The specific isotope is 235U.
• When a stray neutron strikes a 235U heavy nucleus, it is first absorbed, forcing the nucleus’ protons (+) a little further apart, reducing its stability.
• As a result, 236U is formed.
• Given that 236U is unstable, it fissions.
• Although the 236U’s fission or split can create over 20 different elements, their masses always add up to 236.
• The example below shows: 235U + 1 bombarding Neutron fissioning into 2 neutrons 141C + 93RB + Energy (the binding energy that attracts protons
and neutrons, when atom is split, radiation is released) o (where 2+141+93=236)
• The released neutrons can cause a chain reaction.
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