The 235U fuel releases neutrons, which will continue the chain reaction. It also releases heat, which is carried off in the coolant and (usually) used to generate steam to spin turbines to generate electricity.
a neutron is absorbed by an atoms nucleus
A neutron is absorbed by an atoms nucleus
a neutron is absorbed by an atomβs nucleus. (apex)
In a nuclear fission reaction, a freely moving neutron undergoes neutron capture and initiates the nuclear fission of a fuel atom.
If things go according to plan, the neutron encounters a fissionable atomic nucleus and then undergoes what is called neutron capture. That's the next step in the process. The presence of that neutron in the nucleus destabilizes the nucleus (more than it already is as that nucleus is radioactive and unstable anyway). In an extremely short period of time the instability results in nuclear fission. The nucleus splits.
In actuality, a spontaneous fission event begins a nuclear chain reaction. It kick starts a nuclear chain reaction. And a neutron from that fission will initiate another fission to continue and rev up that nuclear chain reaction.
Uranium-235
A neutron is absorbed by an atoms nucleus
a neutron is absorbed by an atomβs nucleus. (apex)
In a nuclear fission reaction, a freely moving neutron undergoes neutron capture and initiates the nuclear fission of a fuel atom.
A neutron.
High neutron capture elements (e.g Boron, Cadmium ) are used to control fission reaction.
If things go according to plan, the neutron encounters a fissionable atomic nucleus and then undergoes what is called neutron capture. That's the next step in the process. The presence of that neutron in the nucleus destabilizes the nucleus (more than it already is as that nucleus is radioactive and unstable anyway). In an extremely short period of time the instability results in nuclear fission. The nucleus splits.
A prompt fission is a fission that results from the immediate interaction, i.e. a prompt interaction, from a preceding interaction. There is no delay, or more correctly, neutron moderation, or any other intervening reaction, in a prompt fission reaction.
In actuality, a spontaneous fission event begins a nuclear chain reaction. It kick starts a nuclear chain reaction. And a neutron from that fission will initiate another fission to continue and rev up that nuclear chain reaction.
The fission reaction is controlled through use of high neutron capture material as Boron, Gadolinium, Cadmium, ... etc.
starting the fission neutron chain reaction using some kind of pulsed neutron source.
Uranium-235
Uranium-235