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When a neutron hits water, it interacts with the atoms in the water molecules. It bounces around, and transfers energy, much like a billiard ball. As a result, it loses energy and is slowed down. This makes water an excellent moderator for nuclear power plants, causing the neutron to slow down to the thermal range where it can interact with subsequent uranium or plutonium atoms.

It is also possible that a water molecule (oxygen or hydrogen atom) can absorb the neutron, causing change in isotopic identity, fractioning the water molecule into radioactive oxygen and hydrogen.

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