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Physics, Techniques and Procedures

Nuclear fission

any nuclear reaction in which an atomic nucleus is breaking into its constituend parts. Nuclear fission yields energy when the atom undergoing fission is relatively heavy. The most notable fission reaction used in current day energy producing nuclear reactors is based on the fission of Uranium-235. This is induced by a thermic (low velocity) neutron, which impinges on the uranium U nucleus, thereby causing its disintegration into two major smaller constituents and three neutrons. These neutrons can, in turn, induce fission of other uranium nuclei given the proper geometry thus leading to a chain reaction.

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